Health

Breakthrough Discovery: Llama Antibodies Could Be Key to Battling COVID and Future Variants!

2025-06-16

Author: Sarah

The Ongoing COVID Threat and the Race for Solutions

As COVID-19 continues to evolve, with new variants emerging that resist existing treatments, scientists are racing against time to find effective solutions. Currently, many antibody therapies are becoming less effective as the virus mutates, particularly in the regions that those antibodies target.

A Revolutionary Approach Using Llama Antibodies

In a groundbreaking study led by Prof. Xavier Saelens and Dr. Bert Schepens from the VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, researchers have turned to an unexpected ally: llamas. Specifically, they examined antibodies from a llama named Winter, which produce smaller, more versatile antibodies known as single-domain antibodies or nanobodies. These unique antibodies have shown astonishing capabilities in neutralizing a variety of SARS coronaviruses.

The Molecular Clamp: Locking the Virus in Place

What sets these llama antibodies apart is their remarkable ability to function as a 'molecular clamp.' They attach themselves to a critical and stable area at the base of the spike protein, a vital component that the virus uses to infect host cells. By locking the spike protein in its inactive form, these antibodies prevent the virus from unleashing its infectious power.

Promising Results and the Future of Treatment

In laboratory tests, these llama antibodies exhibited strong protective effects against infection in animal models—remarkable even at lower doses. Efforts to induce viral resistance encountered difficulty, as the virus produced only weakened variants that were significantly less infectious. This discovery suggests a formidable treatment option that the virus might struggle to evade.

A Bright Future in Antiviral Therapies

"This region is so essential to the virus that any mutation could compromise its ability to infect," said Schepens. This insight provides a crucial advantage in the search for stable antiviral treatments.

Saelens emphasizes the significance of these findings, noting that their combination of potency and resistance barriers positions them as formidable candidates for next-generation therapies. This innovative approach could pave the way for effective treatments not just against current COVID variants, but also any potential future threats.

Funding and Support

These pioneering advancements have been made possible through generous support from the Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), EOS, EU Horizon 2021, and Exevir, highlighting the collaborative effort needed to tackle global health challenges.