Research published this week in the journal Nature Communications suggests that single-domain antibodies called Nanobodies could stop respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in its tracks.
To obtain highly potent anti-viral molecules, researchers selected, produced and purified Nanobodies that specifically target the active but highly unstable form of the RSV fusion protein. Detailed structural analysis revealed that these Nanobodies tightly bind to a very conserved pocket of the viral fusion protein, and that they provide antiviral activity against many types of RSV.
Professor Xavier Saelens (VIB-UGent): “We successfully developed molecules that act very potently against RSV, not only against multiple clinical isolates in cell culture, but also in animals. Our Nanobodies are some of – if not the – most potent molecules ever isolated to fight RSV.”
Read the rest at www.eurekalert.org
