Nanobodies as molecular imaging probes
Sarah Barakat1, Melike Berksöz1, Pegah Zahedimaram1
1Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, 34956, Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey.
Free Radical Biology & Medicine
|March 3, 2022
Summary
Camelidae derived single-domain antibodies, or nanobodies, are small, stable antibody fragments gaining popularity. This review explores their use as molecular probes in research, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Camelidae derived single-domain antibodies (sdAbs), known as nanobodies (Nbs), are the smallest functional antibody fragments.
- Nbs possess advantageous properties including small size, high specificity, strong affinity, and excellent stability.
- Their modularity and versatility make them increasingly popular, potentially surpassing conventional antibodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of nanobody applications as molecular probes.
- To discuss current methodologies for nanobody generation, labeling, and delivery.
- To highlight the emerging role of nanobodies in molecular imaging.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on nanobody technology and applications.
- Analysis of nanobody properties relevant to molecular probing.
- Discussion of techniques for nanobody generation, conjugation, and intracellular delivery.
Main Results:
- Nanobodies are effective molecular probes for detecting and tracking various targets in biological systems.
- Labeled nanobodies are utilized in diverse imaging techniques.
- A broad range of nanobodies have been developed for applications in research, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
Conclusions:
- Nanobody-based probes represent a powerful and versatile tool in molecular imaging.
- Ongoing advancements in nanobody generation and delivery techniques are expanding their utility.
- Nanobodies are poised to become indispensable tools across biomedical research and clinical applications.
