Nano body inhibitors developed to target Ebola virus

Why in the NEWS?

• Researchers at the University of Minnesota and the Midwest Antiviral Drug Discovery (AViDD) Centre have developed the first Nano-body-based inhibitors targeting the Ebola virus.

Key Points:

• Researchers at the Uiversity of Minnesota and the Midwest Antiviral Drug Discovery (AViDD) Center have developed the first Nano-body -based inhibitors targeting the Ebola virus, including two new Nano-body inhibitors – Nanosota-EB1 and Nanosota-EB2. 
• These Nano-bodies help prevent the spread of the virus by targeting different parts of the virus.

What will you read next in this topic?

1. What are Nano-bodies?
2. Examples of Nano-body Uses
3. What is the Ebola virus?

What are Nano-bodies?

• Nano-bodies are small and specific types of antibodies that are specifically derived from alpacas and other camelid family animals such as camels and llamas.
• They are also called Camelid domain antibodies because their source is from the camelid family.

Key properties of Nano-bodies:

• Small in size:
  • The size of Nano-bodies is much smaller than the antibodies produced by normal humans.
  • Compared to a normal human antibody, the size of a Nano-body is about 1/10th.
  • Due to this small size, they can easily enter even the difficult parts of the body where larger antibodies cannot reach.
• Specific targeting ability:
  • Nano-bodies, like larger antibodies, react against specific antigens.
  • They very specifically recognize a small and important part of a virus or pathogen.
  • Due to this feature, they target very precisely, so that other healthy cells are not harmed during treatment.
• Stability and long-term effectiveness:
  • Nano-bodies are very stable even in high temperatures and harsh environmental conditions.
  • Unlike normal antibodies that are easily destroyed due to their protein structure, Nano-bodies remain very stable and remain effective for a long time.
  • In addition, Nano-bodies can be preserved even in harsh conditions and there is no reduction in its effectiveness.
• Easy to manufacture:
  • They can be prepared in less time and with fewer resources.
  • In comparison, the manufacture of conventional antibodies is more expensive and time-consuming.
• Use in humans:
  • Nano-bodies can be used in human treatments, especially in diseases that require attacking specific targets.
  • For example, it can be effective in treating diseases like Ebola virus, COVID-19 and cancer.
• Multipurpose Uses:
  • Nano-bodies can be used in diagnostics, therapeutic, and prophylactic measures. 
  • This means that Nano-bodies can be useful not only in treatment but also in the early diagnosis and prevention of diseases.
  • Inflammation and Immune Response:
  • After Nano-bodies bind to specific antigens, they help control the inflammatory response and other immune system reactions, thereby strengthening the body’s own defence system.
• Effective in Laboratory:
  • Nano-bodies are used in various lab tests and biological studies.
  • They have been found to be particularly effective against viruses and bacteria, such as COVID-19, Ebola, and other viruses.

Examples of Nano-body Uses

Use in COVID-19:

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers developed Nano-bodies against COVID-19. 
• The purpose of these Nano-bodies was to bind to the virus's spike protein and prevent it from attaching to human cells.

Ebola Virus:

• Nano-bodies were used to stop the Ebola virus. 
• Researchers developed inhibitors such as Nanosota-EB1 and Nanosota-EB2, which prevent the virus from entering and spreading inside the cell.

Cancer:

• Nano-bodies can also be used in cancer treatment. 
• Due to its small size, it can directly reach tumour cells and treat them by targeting drugs or radiation there.

Use in Diagnostics:

• Nano-bodies are also used to identify various bacteria and viruses. 
• They are extremely accurate and can provide test results quickly.

What is the Ebola virus?

• The Ebola virus is a highly contagious and deadly virus that causes Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
• The virus can cause severe bleeding, fever, and organ failure in humans and other primates (such as monkeys and gorillas).
• The case fatality rate is around 50%, but it can vary in different outbreaks, sometimes as high as 90%.

Type of virus:

• The Ebola virus is a member of the Filoviridae family, characterized by long, thread-like shapes.
• There are different types, including Ebola-Zaire, Sudan, Tanzania, and Marburg.
• The Zaire virus is the most deadly of these.

Mode of transmission:

• The Ebola virus is primarily spread through contact with the blood or other body fluids (such as sweat, faces, and excrement) of an infected person or animal.
• The virus enters the body through contact with an infected person or animal. Additionally, contact with contaminated surfaces or objects can also spread the virus.
• The initial symptoms of Ebola infection are flu-like, including:
• Fever, Headache, Muscle pain, Sore throat, Weakness, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Skin rash, Haemorrhage (bleeding) and organ failure. 

Treatment:

• There is no specific treatment or vaccination for the Ebola virus, but supportive care is used for treatment, which includes replacing fluids, electrolytes, blood supply, and other medical measures.
• However, vaccines and treatments have been developed for Ebola in recent years, such as rVSV-ZEBOV (which is effective against Ebola).

Outbreaks and spread:

• The Ebola virus spreads in parts of Africa as outbreaks. The largest outbreak was in 2014-2016, which was in West Africa and infected thousands of people.
• The virus usually spreads from wild animals, especially bats and infected animals (such as monkeys).

Prevention:

• The best treatment for Ebola is prevention, such as avoiding contact with infected people, isolating infected patients, and staying away from contaminated objects.
• Hygiene, use of personal protective equipment such as masks and safety measures are essential for disease control.