Researchers at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Novosibirsk have identified llama nano-antibodies that demonstrate significant efficacy against various strains of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. This important discovery was highlighted by `Nauka v Sibiri` (Science in Siberia), a publication of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, with support from a grant by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science as part of the Decade of Science and Technology.
Scientists emphasize that despite the formal conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic, new SARS-CoV-2 strains continue to emerge. While these variants pose less danger to healthy individuals, they represent a considerable threat to those with compromised immune systems. This includes patients with chronic diseases, individuals undergoing cancer treatment, the elderly, and those with autoimmune disorders who take immunosuppressive medications.
The report elaborates: “All viruses are highly prone to genetic variation. While antibodies in the immune system are initially generated against a specific viral variant, the virus gradually undergoes genetic changes as it multiplies within the body. This leads to alterations in the sections that code for viral proteins, which are normally recognized by antibodies. Consequently, the virus constantly eludes the immune system`s response. The primary goal for scientists is to discover antibodies capable of recognizing multiple distinct viral variants simultaneously. Such antibodies would remain effective for an extended period, providing protection to patients regardless of which strain is currently dominant.”
Initially, the researchers worked with several individual llama antibodies, each capable of neutralizing only a limited spectrum of coronavirus variants. However, by combining these individual antibodies into a single bispecific (double) antibody, they observed a significantly enhanced ability to neutralize a much broader range of viral strains.
Anton Chikaev, a senior researcher at the Antibody Engineering Laboratory of the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, stated in the report: “Antibodies based on llama nano-antibodies represent a burgeoning field globally. Several human-use antibodies derived from llama nano-antibodies are already undergoing various stages of clinical trials. In our laboratory, we have developed a comprehensive and efficient pipeline for producing such antibodies, not only against coronaviruses but also against any other pathogens. This current research is now in its final phase.”
The scientists further explained that llama antibodies possess a unique structure compared to human antibodies. Foreign invaders, including viruses, frequently attempt to evade detection by human antibodies through various masking mechanisms. However, the inherent structure of llama antibodies renders them less vulnerable to these evasive tactics. Therapies developed from these antibodies are effective even at extremely low concentrations, and the novel combination assembled by the researchers demonstrates high levels of efficacy.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth