The establishment of a WEHI nanobody platform eased the development of antibody-based treatments against COVID-19.
(Photo: Dr. Drew Berry in collaboration with Associate Professor Wai-Hong Tham, WEHI)
Visualization of SARS-CoV-2 virus with nanobodies (purple) attaching to the virus ‘spike’ protein.
While the artificial spike protein was not infectious and did not cause the alpacas to contract the disease, it allowed them to create nanobodies, the researchers emphasized. They would then extract the gene sequence encoding the nanobodies, then choose one that attaches best to the spike protein.
The leading nanobodies that stopped the virus entry were then combined into what the researchers call a nanobody cocktail. Combining the leading nanobodies into the nanobody cocktail, the researchers were able to test its efficiency in obstructing SARS-CoV-2 from intruding into cells and lowering viral loads in preclinical models.
Nanobody cocktail shown to block SARS-CoV-2 infection in mouse models drugtargetreview.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from drugtargetreview.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Event description
Join AusYGN for a facilitated Q&A with the Hon Dr Annabelle Bennett, the ANSTO Board Chair followed by a networking event. About this Event
The Hon Dr Annabelle Bennett AC SC is Chancellor of Bond University and formerly a Judge of the Federal Court of Australia. She now practises as a consultant Senior Counsel, a mediator, arbitrator and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.
AusYGN is hosting a facilitated Q&A with the Hon Dr Annabelle Bennett, the ANSTO Board Chair on the 20th of April. Limited places will be available to watch the Q&A in person at the ANSTO Discovery Centre, which will be followed by a networking afternoon tea. The Q&A will also be livestreamed, with a link to be provided prior to the event.
Deborah
Crittenden, of UC’s School of Physical and Chemical
Sciences, worked closely with Abdelbassit and says,
“Mohammed is a top-notch scientist who has done some
outstanding, world-class research during his time at
UC.”
“He’s already published six papers during
his study, which is a pretty extraordinary achievement. Most
PhD students only graduate with one or two published papers,
if any!”
Abdelbassit wants to use this research to
kick-start his career and hopes to gain a postdoctoral
position where he can continue his passion for
research.
“I wish to help humanity solve complicated
problems and discover new technologies through chemistry,”