Australia scientists closer to Hendra virus vaccine thanks to nanobodies from Chilean alpaca named Pedro

A nanobody-based therapeutic targeting Nipah virus limits viral escape - Nature Structural & Molecular Biology

Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV) are highly pathogenic henipaviruses without approved human vaccines or therapies. Here, we report on a highly potent bispecific therapeutic that combines an anti-fusion glycoprotein nanobody with an anti-receptor-binding glycoprotein (RBP) antibody to deliver a dual-targeting biologic that is resistant to viral escape. We show that the nanobody, DS90, engages a unique, conserved site within the fusion gly…

Why a cute Chilean alpaca named Pedro could hold the key to stopping a deadly virus

An unlikely hero has emerged in the fight against an "absolutely terrifying" virus which has again reared its head in Australia.

Tiny antibody has big impact on deadly Hendra and Nipah viruses

Researchers have discovered a strategy to neutralise two highly lethal viruses for which there is currently no approved vaccine or cure.