title: Camelid immunoglobulins and nanobody technology.
abstract: It is well established that all camelids have unique antibodies circulating in their blood. Unlike antibodies from other species, these special antibodies are devoid of light chains and are composed of a heavy-chain homodimer. These so-called heavy-chain antibodies (HCAbs) are expressed after a V-D-J rearrangement and require dedicated constant gamma-genes. An immune response is raised in these so-called heavy-chain antibodies following classical immunization protocols. These HCAbs are easily purified from serum, and the antigen-binding fragment interacts with parts of the target that are less antigenic to conventional antibodies. Since the antigen-binding site of the dromedary HCAb is comprised in one single domain, referred to as variable domain of heavy chain of HCAb (VHH) or nanobody (Nb), we designed a strategy to clone the Nb repertoire of an immunized dromedary and to select the Nbs with specificity for our target antigens. The monoclonal Nbs are well produced in bacteria, are very stable and highly soluble, and bind their cognate antigen with high affinity and specificity. We have successfully developed recombinant Nbs for research purposes, as probe in biosensors, to diagnose infections, and to treat diseases like cancer or trypanosomosis.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Interactions, VIB, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium. svmuylde@vub.ac.be
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Muyldermans
authors.forename: T N
authors.initials: TN
authors.lastname: Baral
authors.forename: V Cortez
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Retamozzo
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: De Baetselier
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: De Genst
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kinne
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Leonhardt
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Magez
authors.forename: V K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Revets
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Rothbauer
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Stijlemans
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tillib
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Wernery
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wyns
authors.forename: Gh
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hassanzadeh-Ghassabeh
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Saerens
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002161:Camelids, New World / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D002162:Camelus / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005818:Genetic Engineering; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000378:metabolism*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D007136:Immunoglobulins