University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed nanobody sequences that can bind to various coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and sarbecovirus. These nanobodies have the potential to block coronavirus viral infection, reducing the risk of death or long-term complications linked to coronaviruses.
Description
Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019, the virus responsible for the multiorgan disease COVID-19, millions have either died or suffer long term consequences referred to as Long Covid (LC). Building on previous work (Pitt ID 5391), novel nanobodies (Nbs) have been developed that bind to the receptor binding domain of several coronaviruses. These stable Nbs allow for aerosolized delivery which improves accessibility of therapies and potentially prevents the virus infecting vital organs, reducing the risk of long-term complications. Unlike monoclonal antibodies, Nbs may overcome antigenic drift and revolutionize treatment strategies for this ongoing threat to human health.
Applications
- SARS-CoV-2
- Betacoronaviruses
- Emerging zoonotic diseases
Advantages
Four years into the COVID-19 pandemic there remains no definitive cure. LC is still a complication for many, even those who initially experienced mild symptoms. While some therapies have been approved to reduce the risk of severe disease, these are not always effective against emerging strains of SARS-CoV-2.
Unlike monoclonal antibodies, Nbs, single-domain antibody fragments with ultrahigh potencies (sub-ng/ml IC50 values), can target multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2, are stable, and cost effective to produce. Their stability enables their use in aerosols, allowing for the direct inhalation into the respiratory tract, reducing viral loads at an entry point, preventing virus replication and associated lung damage and pneumonia.
Invention Readiness
Previous work using llama immunization and proteomics identified a large library of highly potent neutralizing Nbs, and results showed that aerosol administration could prevent lung damage and pneumonia development associated with SARS-CoV-2. Further development has identified highly potent novel pan-sarbecovirus nanobodies (psNbs) that bind selectively to key domains on SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses, including betacoronaviruses. Work is required to evaluate efficacy and investigate the potential of these psNbs against several coronavirus models. These psNbs have the potential to target novel coronavirus zoonotic diseases which may emerge in the future, preventing future pandemics.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2023039577A1
