AeroNabs are Nanobodies against COVID-19

Aeronabs is a new synthetic product on the market as a nasal inhaler or sprays to stop COVID-19.

Aeronabs are nanobodies that block the SARS-CoV-2 virus from attaching to the respiratory lining.

The nanobodies in AeroNabs are similar to antibodies, but they are much smaller but still have antibodies’ structural and functional properties.

They are naturally found in nature in llamas, camels, and sharks. In this study, the nanobodies are made in the laboratory.

Heavy_chain_and_common_antibody.svg
Shark and Camel Nanobodies on the left and middle, common antibody on the right

A recent preprint study in bioRxiv, An ultra-potent synthetic nanobody that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 by locking Spike into an inactive conformation, studied nanobodies’ potential use against COVID-19.

The results are very encouraging such that they called their combination of 3 nanobodies called mNb6-tri as Aeronabs.

How do AeroNabs Work?

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has to attach to the lining of the respiratory tract. For that to happen, the virus uses its “corona” or its spikes to stick to the cell.

The spikes are made of receptor-binding domains (RBD) that stay close until the virus is ready to attach to the cells.

The Aeronabs bind to the RBD before they can even open up. In this study, the Aeronabs are made up of 3 nanobodies. When a nanobody attaches, the other two also connect to the remaining parts of the RBD, making it 200,000 times more effective.

How Stable are Aeronabs?

Laboratory results may not apply to real-life situations. The study included exposing the nanobodies to high temperatures, changing to a powder form, and aerosolizing them.

What are the Advantages of Aeronabs?

Yesterday, the U.S. FDA approved the use of convalescent antibodies as a treatment for COVID-19. However, there are limitations to the supply of people who have recovered from COVID-19. Not all may be willing to donate, and some who were asymptomatic may not even know that they had the infection.

The use of convalescent plasma is described here, Beat a Pandemic Like in the Movies.

Furthermore, the protective antibodies against COVID-19 are present for less than 6 months in recovered patients. That was discussed in this article, Protective Antibodies Against Coronaviruses are Short-Lived.

Convalescent plasma has to be given intravenously, and only a fraction of the plasma goes to the respiratory lining.

And lastly, the convalescent plasma will only be given to patients with severe COVID-19, not to the mild or moderate cases.

In contrast, Aeronabs can be mass-produced. They are relatively inexpensive, stable, and go straight to the nose, throat, and lungs, where they are needed to stop the viruses in their tracts.

At present, the investigators are partnering with companies to make it available to the public.

Knowledge about Covid-19 is rapidly evolving. Information may update as new researches are done. Stay current by subscribing. Feel free to share.

Don’t Get Sick!

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  9. The Rise and Fall of Antibodies in Mild and Asymptomatic COVID-19

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Reference:

Michael SchoofBryan FaustReuben A. SaundersSmriti SangwanVeronica RezeljNick HoppeMorgane BooneChristian Bache BillesbølleMarcell ZimanyiIshan DeshpandeJiahao LiangAditya A. AnandNiv DobzinskiBeth Shoshana ZhaBenjamin Barsi-RhyneVladislav BelyyAndrew W. Barile-HillSayan GuptaCamille R. SimoneauKristoffer LeonKris M. WhiteSilke NockYuwei LiuNevan J. KroganCorie Y. RalstonDanielle L. SwaneyAdolfo García-SastreMelanie OttMarco VignuzziQCRG Structural Biology ConsortiumPeter WalterAashish Manglik
Image credit: comparison of antibodies and nanobodies: By Anypodetos, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9032258

Knowledge about Covid-19 is rapidly evolving. Information may update as new studies are made. Stay current by subscribing. Feel free to share.

Don’t Get Sick!

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