translated from Spanish: Covid-19: Flame antibodies worked on hamsters

The use of antibodies produced by flames against covid-19 was tested on hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2, which showed a notable reduction in the disease and a lower viral load in lungs and airways. A study led by the Rosalind Franklin Institute (UK) showed that nanobodies – a smaller and simpler form of antibodies generated by llamas and camels – can effectively target the virus that causes COVID-19. Preclinical trials of nanobodies in hamsters “are very encouraging and suggest they may be effective” in treating COVID-19, as well as “helping to prevent infection,” said James Stewart, a co-author of the study. The research team, whose results were published in Nature Communications, generated the nanobodies by injecting a portion of the spike protein (the one used by SARS-CoV-2 to enter cells), into the fifi flame. from which the researchers were able to purify four nanobodies capable of binding to the virus. The nanobodies combined into chains of three to elevate their ability to bind to the virus. Three of them neutralized both the original variants and Alpha and a fourth neutralized Beta.When one of the chains was administered to hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2, the animals “showed a remarkable reduction in the disease, losing much less weight after seven days than those that remained untreated,” the British institute said in a statement. Hamsters who received the nanobody treatment “also had a lower viral load in their lungs and airways after seven days than untreated animals.” The nanobodies, which bind strongly to SARS-CoV-2, neutralizing it in cell culture, could provide a cheaper and easier-to-use option than human antibodies from recovered covid patients. Lead author ray Owens noted that nanobodies “can be delivered directly into the airways using a nebulizer or nasal spray.” Therefore, they could be self-administered at home and not with an injection, but also, he said, they make the treatment reach directly to the place of infection in the respiratory tract. Nanobodies could be an important treatment, as they are easier to produce than human antibodies and do not need to be stored in refrigerators.



Original source in Spanish

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