US EditionChemicals From Camels and Alpacas Used to Treat Human Brain Disorders
Nanobodies from camelids can cross the blood-brain barrier with fewer side effects and stronger effects, offering new therapy options for brain disorders like schizophrenia, researchers say.
- Researchers reported in a November 5 study in Trends in Pharmacological Sciences that camelid nanobodies may target neurological conditions in mice more effectively and with fewer side effects, according to Philippe Rondard of CNRS.
- Belgian scientists first identified nanobodies in the early 1990s while studying camelid immune systems, discovering they produce unique heavy-chain-only antibodies not found in other mammals.
- Nanobodies are highly soluble small proteins that can enter the brain passively, Pierre-André Lafon said, and their antigen-binding portion is about one-tenth the size of typical antibodies, aiding easier production and engineering than conventional antibodies.
- The authors note that several steps remain before human trials, including producing clinical-grade nanobodies, stable formulations, and studying pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics plus toxicology testing.
- The research is backed by Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Montpellier and French National Research Agency, with authors proposing nanobodies as a new drug class for brain disorders including schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease.
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30 Articles
Mini llama proteins show promise for Alzheimer’s treatment
Miniature antibodies from camels and llamas can slip into the brain more easily than conventional drugs, offering a new way to treat disorders like Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia. Researchers say these “nanobodies” could reshape the future of brain medicine.
Tiny Camel and Llama Proteins Show Promise for Brain Disorders
Tiny proteins from camels, llamas, and alpacas—known as nanobodies—may transform treatments for brain disorders like schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s. Their tiny size allows them to penetrate the brain more effectively and with fewer side effects than conventional antibody therapies. Tiny Camelid Proteins With Big Potential Nanobodies, which are tiny proteins found in members of the camelid [...]
Drugs for brain disorders often get stuck at the impenetrable blood-brain barrier. As a result, they don't reach their target or cause unpleasant side effects. Now, llamas and camels seem to have something that could help. Treating brain disorders like Alzheimer's or schizophrenia remains a huge challenge, despite the hard work of thousands of researchers. […] More science? Read the latest articles on Scientias.nl .
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