NYUAD research reveals the structure of nanobodies, paving the way for potential disease-fighting methods.

In a groundbreaking discovery, a team of researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi has elucidated the detailed structure of the Nb23 nanobody, revealing its specific binding mechanisms. This study, published in the journal Molecules, could pave the way for targeted therapies for autoimmune diseases and certain types of cancer.

Nb23 is a nanobody derived from an antibody type found only in camelids and sharks. Unlike traditional protein structure determination methods that rely on solid samples, the researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi used a liquid state technique due to the mobility and shape differences of proteins in liquid state. This approach allowed them to determine the structure of Nb23 in water using NMR spectroscopy.

The study focuses on nanobodies Nb23 and Nb24, which bind to a key immune system protein called beta2-microglobulin. The binding of these nanobodies prevents the pathological transformation of beta2-microglobulin into fibrillar deposits, which are involved with degenerative or functional diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and type-2 diabetes.

Nanobodies are tenfold smaller in size than antibodies, offering more stability, strong binding affinity, good solubility, and biocompatibility due to their natural origin. This makes them potential candidates for fighting diseases ranging from rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriasis to lymphoma and breast cancer.

By mapping factors relevant for nanobody function, the researchers can recognize changes that occur when the nanobody binds to its target protein. This understanding can help prevent the onset of these diseases. The research group was led by visiting chemistry professor Gennaro Esposito at NYU Abu Dhabi.

NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and science campus in the Middle East operated abroad by a major American research university. The study's findings offer potential for the prevention of various degenerative and functional diseases, marking a significant step forward in the field of nanobody research.