Scientific Achievement
Protein structures obtained in part at the Advanced Light Source (ALS) helped researchers to increase the potency of simplified antibodies (nanobodies) designed to neutralize SARS-CoV-2.
Significance and Impact
Stable enough to be used in inhalers or nasal sprays, the nanobodies offer a new option, aside from injected vaccines, for COVID-19 prevention and treatment.
Research Details
- Protein crystallography and x-ray footprinting contributed structural information supporting nanobody optimization.
- Strategies included linking multiple nanobodies together and the targeted replacement of select amino acids.
- Optimized nanobodies up to 200,000 times more potent, with neutralizing ability even at very low concentrations.
