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Coronavirus Vaccine : Scientists reveal llama blood contains useful antibodies

By Lokmat English Desk | Updated: April 20, 2020 15:51 IST

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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.
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According to the research, the small size of the antibodies allows them to target microscopic viruses more effectively. This is known as nanobody technology.
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These groundreaking properties of antibodies found in the blood of camelids (camels, llamas and alpacas) were first uncovered by a Brussels University in 1989.
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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.
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Another South Korean study, reported in the Cell Host and Microbe journal, found ferrets infected with Covid-19 responded similarly to humans.
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The study claims this could be 'a useful tool to evaluate the efficacy of [antiviral treatments] and preventive vaccines.'
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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.'
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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.
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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.
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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.
Tags: CoronavirusCoronavirus Vaccine
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