Nanobody-based products as research and diagnostic tools
Thomas De Meyer1, Serge Muyldermans2, Ann Depicker1
1Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Gent, Belgium; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Gent, Belgium.
Trends in Biotechnology
|April 5, 2014
Summary
Camelid heavy-chain antibodies, specifically VHHs (nanobodies), are valuable proteins for research, diagnostics, and therapeutics. As patents expire, innovative applications and production platforms for these antibody fragments are expanding.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Immunology
- Protein Engineering
Background:
- Camelid heavy-chain antibodies, discovered 20 years ago, possess unique single-domain fragments known as VHHs or nanobodies.
- These VHHs exhibit beneficial properties, leading to their high value in various applications.
- The expiration of original patents is expected to spur further exploration of VHHs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of novel VHH implementations.
- To highlight VHHs as advanced research and diagnostic tools.
- To review recently evaluated production platforms for VHHs and derived antibody formats.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of VHH applications in research and diagnostics.
- Analysis of recent advancements in VHH production platforms.
- Evaluation of VHH-derived antibody formats.
Main Results:
- VHHs are increasingly utilized as versatile tools in fundamental research.
- Novel diagnostic applications of VHHs are emerging.
- Several production platforms for VHHs and derived formats have been recently assessed.
Conclusions:
- VHHs represent a significant advancement in antibody technology.
- The expanding applications and production methods indicate a bright future for VHHs.
- Further innovation in VHH applications is anticipated due to expiring patents.
