Nanoscopic proteins derived from camels and llamas may hold the key to protecting the human brain from Alzheimer’s disease. These tiny molecules, known as nanobodies, have the remarkable ability to penetrate cellular spaces that traditional antibodies cannot reach. Growing research indicates that they could become a revolutionary tool in treating complex brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia.A recent study conducted by the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) in France highlights the progress in this field and the potential for future therapies. Scientists are increasingly convinced that the unique characteristics of these proteins could allow for effective brain-targeted treatment with minimal side effects.
Camels have unique proteins that might help treat Alzheimer’s
Antibodies are proteins produced by the human immune system to identify and neutralise harmful substances, such as viruses and toxins. Nanobodies are smaller, streamlined versions of these antibodies. Their compact size allows them to bypass viral defences and target specific disease-causing elements more effectively.Camels, llamas, and other members of the camelid family naturally produce these smaller antibodies. Laboratory refinement has reduced their size even further, making them approximately ten times smaller than the standard Y-shaped Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies found in humans. This unique property enables them to access areas of the body, including the brain, that conventional antibodies often cannot reach.
Nanobodies could unlock new ways to treat the brain
Nanobodies offer promising possibilities for targeting the central nervous system. Unlike conventional drugs, they are highly soluble proteins capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, a critical hurdle for brain therapies. Until recently, the widespread use of nanobodies for neurological conditions was limited by two challenges: rapid elimination by the kidneys and difficulty in crossing the blood-brain barrier.Recent experimental studies in animal models have shown that engineered camelid nanobodies can overcome these obstacles. These nanobodies can cross the blood-brain barrier and target the key markers associated with Alzheimer’s disease, including tau and amyloid beta proteins, which are thought to drive disease symptoms.
Advantages of camelid nanobodies over traditional treatments
Philippe Rondard, neuropharmacologist at CNRS, describes camelid nanobodies as a potential new class of biologic therapies. “Camelid nanobodies open a new era of treatments for brain disorders and change how we think about therapeutics,” Rondard explains.Functional genomicist Pierre-André Lafon emphasises their distinct advantages: “These are highly soluble small proteins that can enter the brain passively. In contrast, small-molecule drugs designed to cross the blood-brain barrier are hydrophobic, which limits their bioavailability, increases the risk of off-target effects, and is associated with side effects.”Before nanobodies can be used in humans, researchers must confirm their stability, proper folding, and prevent any aggregation. They also need to determine how these proteins cross the blood-brain barrier, how long they remain in the brain, and establish safe and effective dosing protocols.
Camelid nanobodies offer hope for Alzheimer’s and brain disorders
The CNRS team has already begun studying these critical parameters. Their preliminary results suggest that certain brain-penetrant nanobodies could be compatible with long-term treatment. Researchers are now focusing on developing clinical-grade formulations that can remain stable during storage and transport from laboratory to patient.Nanobody therapies derived from camelids have already demonstrated effectiveness in combating diseases such as influenza A and B, COVID-19, norovirus, and even HIV. With continued research, scientists hope that these remarkable proteins could one day protect human memory and cognitive function, offering hope against Alzheimer’s disease.While the potential is enormous, experts caution that practical treatments remain several years away. Nevertheless, the unique proteins found in camels and llamas may represent a groundbreaking step in the fight against brain disorders.Also Read | Vitamin D deficiency may quietly raise your risk of heart diseases: The hidden connection you need to know
