Nanobodies as powerful pulmonary targeted biotherapeutics against SARS-CoV-2, pharmaceutical point of view

Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj. 2021 Nov;1865(11):129974. doi: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.129974. Epub 2021 Jul 31.

Abstract

Background Since December 2019, the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to infect humans and many people died from severe Covid-19 during the last 2 years worldwide. Different approaches are being used for treatment of this infection and its consequences, but limited results have been achieved and new therapeutics are still needed. One of the most interesting biotherapeutics in this era are Nanobodies which have shown very promising results in recent researches. Scope of review Here, we have reviewed the potentials of Nanobodies in Covid-19 treatment. We have also discussed the properties of these biotherapeutics that make them very suitable for pulmonary drug delivery, which seems to be very important route of administration in this disease. Major conclusion Nanobodies with their special biological and biophysical characteristics and their resistance against harsh manufacturing condition, can be considered as promising, targeted biotherapeutics which can be administered by pulmonary delivery pharmaceutical systems against Covid-19. General significance Covid-19 has become a global problem during the last two years and with emerging mutant strains, prophylactic and therapeutic approaches are still highly needed. Nanobodies with their specific properties can be considered as valuable and promising candidates in Covid-19 therapy.

Keywords: Covid-19; Nanobody; Pulmonary drug delivery; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 / genetics
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 / immunology
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / biosynthesis
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / isolation & purification
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / therapeutic use*
  • Antiviral Agents / isolation & purification
  • Antiviral Agents / metabolism
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • COVID-19 / immunology
  • COVID-19 / therapy*
  • COVID-19 / virology
  • Camelus
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Humans
  • Immune Sera / chemistry
  • Immunologic Factors / biosynthesis
  • Immunologic Factors / isolation & purification
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Lung / drug effects
  • Lung / immunology
  • Lung / virology
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods
  • Peptide Library
  • Protein Binding / drug effects
  • SARS-CoV-2 / drug effects*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology
  • Single-Domain Antibodies / biosynthesis
  • Single-Domain Antibodies / isolation & purification
  • Single-Domain Antibodies / therapeutic use*
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / genetics
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Immune Sera
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Peptide Library
  • Single-Domain Antibodies
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2
  • ACE2 protein, human
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2