Coronavirus Vaccine : Scientists reveal llama blood contains useful antibodies
By Lokmat English Desk | Published: April 20, 2020 03:51 PM2020-04-20T15:51:42+5:302020-04-20T15:51:42+5:30
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Researchers from the Vlaams Institute for Biotechnology in Ghent have reported molecules in camelids blood may serve as useful "therapeutics" during the outbreak.
According to the research, the small size of the antibodies allows them to target microscopic viruses more effectively. This is known as nanobody technology.
These groundreaking properties of antibodies found in the blood of camelids (camels, llamas and alpacas) were first uncovered by a Brussels University in 1989.
A report seen by the Sunday Times said "The feasibility of using [llama antibodies]... merits further investigation."Camelids aren't the only animals proving useful in finding a treatment for the coronavirus.
Another South Korean study, reported in the Cell Host and Microbe journal, found ferrets infected with Covid-19 responded similarly to humans.
The study claims this could be "a useful tool to evaluate the efficacy of [antiviral treatments] and preventive vaccines."
Researchers in Hong Kong have also found Syrian hamsters had a reaction to Covid-19 which "closely [resembles] the manifestations of upper and lower respiratory tract infection in humans."
The study, published in Science magazine, found eight hamsters "lost weight, became lethargic, and developed ruffled fur, a hunched posture, and rapid breathing" after being infected with the virus.
Oxford University has also been carrying out animal trials of it's own vaccine. Tests of the experimental coronavirus vaccine have also showed promising results on animals.
The new vaccine comes from chimpanzees, who are injected with the coronavirus to produce antibodies that can be used to bolster the immune system of humans.
