We are chemically linking antiviral drugs to nanobodies that target and prevent viruses entering into cells.
Nanobody-guided antivirus drug delivery
The threat of emerging new viruses is rising, demanding more effective antiviral strategies to block progression of acute infections. A fast-acting new treatment could reduce the need for intensive care for people most at risk.
Technical detail
Building on our work generating nanobodies to SARS-CoV-2 we are using our nanobody discovery platform to target other respiratory viruses including Influenza strains. Different antiviral drug-linker combinations are being designed and chemically synthesised for site-specific conjugation to virus neutralising nanobodies. This dual action approach to antiviral treatment should reduce the likelihood of viruses developing resistance and could be delivered by aerosol directly to the airways. The strategy is readily translated to different viral threats by changing the specificity of the targeting nanobody and thereby enabling a rapid response to any future pandemics.
Project Team
Platforms
