Despite the existence of vaccination, antibiotic therapy, and antibody therapies, infectious diseases still remain as one of the biggest challenges to human health all over the world. Among the different methods for treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, antibodies are well known but poorly developed. There is a new subclass of antibodies calledheavy-chain antibodies that belong to the IgG isotype. However, they are low in molecular weight and lost the first constant domain (CH1). Their single-domain antigen-binding fragments, identified as nanobodies, have unique characteristics, which make them superior in comparison with the conventional antibodies. Low molecular weight and small size, high stability and solubility, ease of expression, good tissue penetration, and low-cost production make nanobodies an appropriate alternative to use against infectious disease. In this research, we review the properties of nanobodies and their potential applications in controlling human infections and inflammations.
Keywords: Heavy-chain antibody; antibiotic resistance; infectious diseases; nanobody.