Synthetic Mini-antibody Identified To Combat Coronavirus
Muhammad Irfan Published November 04, 2020 | 09:46 PM
In a significant development, scientists have identified a synthetic mini-antibody that turned out to be particularly effective in blocking the new coronavirus from entering human cells
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Nov, 2020 ) :In a significant development, scientists have identified a synthetic mini-antibody that turned out to be particularly effective in blocking the new coronavirus from entering human cells.
The ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells depends on interactions between the viral spike protein and the human cell surface protein ACE2.
To enable the virus to hook onto the cell surface, the spike protein binds ACE2 using three finger-like protrusions, called the receptor binding domains (RBDs), Science Daily reported .
The new synthetic mini-antibody blocks the RBDs, therefore has the potential to stop the virus from entering human cells, said the researchers from EMBL Hamburg, CSSB, Karolinska Institutet and University of Zurich.
EMBL Hamburg searched through the existing libraries to find sybodies that could block SARS-CoV-2 from infecting human cells.
Among the best binders, one called "sybody 23" turned out to be particularly effective in blocking the RBDs.
"Getting the results so quickly was only possible because the methodologies we used had already been established for other research projects unrelated to SARS-CoV-2. Developing these tools would have taken significantly more time and resources," said Christian Low from EMBL Hamburg.
Nanobodies, small antibodies found in camels and llamas, are promising as tools against viruses due to their high stability and small size.
Although obtaining them from animals is time-consuming, technological advances now allow for the rapid selection of synthetic nanobodies, called sybodies.
A technology platform to select sybodies from large synthetic libraries was recently developed in the lab of Markus Seeger at the University of Zurich, and made available for this study.
The results hold out the promise of a potential way to treat COVID-19, the team said.
In future work, the scientists will perform further analyses to confirm whether sybody 23 could be an effective COVID-19 treatment.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Saka and Odegaard start for Arsenal, Guerreiro in Bayern midfield
Qatar PM says re-evaluating Israel-Hamas mediation role
Govt spokesperson terms allegations of PTI's Marwat against Saudi Arabia 'heinou ..
Minister appreciate UAE’s support for Pakistan economic challenges
Manchester City v Real Madrid Champions League starting line-ups
MIGA's support Pakistan in attracting foreign investments: Federal Minister for ..
Walker returns to captain Man City for Real Madrid clash
Action taken against price list violations in Khanewal district
DC chairs review meeting of DEG
Turkey accuses Israel's Netanyahu of using war 'to stay in power'
Pakistan ranked 5th most vulnerable country to climate change. Tirmizi
Nadal comeback ends in Barcelona Open second round
More Stories From Pakistan
-
Govt spokesperson terms allegations of PTI's Marwat against Saudi Arabia 'heinous attempt'
5 hours ago -
Action taken against price list violations in Khanewal district
6 hours ago -
DC chairs review meeting of DEG
6 hours ago -
Govt to ensure timely water supply in backward areas of Sindh: Jam Shoro
6 hours ago -
Bilawal condemns attack on PPP candidate in Bajaur
6 hours ago -
PRCS observed World Hemophilia Day
6 hours ago
-
Rain forecast across Kashmir on April 18th-19th
6 hours ago -
Local trader killed after abduction
6 hours ago -
Commissioner Karachi chairs meeting on civic problems
6 hours ago -
Blind murder traced, 5 including constable arrested
6 hours ago -
Sindh govt to introduce non-formal education system to facilitate 2 million out of school children
7 hours ago -
Mayor Karachi imposes rain emergency in view of rain forecast: COO KWSC
7 hours ago