What Are Therapeutic NANOBODY® Proteins?
Therapeutic NANOBODY® proteins are single-domain antibody fragments derived from heavy-chain-only antibodies found in camelids. Their small size (~15 kDa), high solubility, and exceptional stability under a wide range of conditions make them powerful tools in therapeutic development. Unlike conventional monoclonal antibodies, NANOBODY® proteins can access hidden or sterically restricted epitopes, allowing them to neutralize targets with higher precision.
Activity and Mechanism of Action
NANOBODY® proteins exhibit high affinity and specificity for their targets, ranging from extracellular receptors to intracellular proteins. Their mechanisms include:
- Blocking ligand-receptor interactions
- Neutralizing toxins and viral particles
- Modulating enzyme activity
- Acting as carriers for drug delivery or diagnostics
Due to their robustness, NANOBODY® molecules are ideal for inhalable formulations, topical applications, and even intracellular delivery.
Applications in Life Science Research and Therapy
Therapeutic NANOBODY® proteins are transforming life science research and clinical development:
- Oncology: Blocking immune checkpoints (e.g., PD-L1) and targeting tumor-specific antigens
- Infectious diseases: Neutralizing viral proteins, including SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
- Neurodegenerative diseases: Crossing the blood-brain barrier for targeted delivery
- Diagnostics: Imaging agents due to rapid clearance and high tissue penetration
How to Choose the Right NANOBODY® Protein for Therapeutic Development
Choosing the right NANOBODY® VHH depends on your project needs. Here are some considerations:
- Define the target (e.g., membrane protein, toxin, intracellular protein)
- Determine the required affinity and epitope specificity
- Consider the final format: naked nanobody, Fc-fusion, or drug conjugate
- Assess delivery route and formulation constraints (e.g., systemic vs. local)
- Validate stability, aggregation profile, and manufacturability
ProteoGenix offers biosimilar NANOBODY® proteins tailored for therapeutic, diagnostic, and research applications. Our expertise ensures seamless integration into your therapeutic development pipeline.
