The
National Health Institute (INS) will develop a possible treatment for COVID-19 using innovative technology based on recombinant nano antibodies of a Peruvian llama called "Tito," said Henri Bailon, a molecular biologist at said institution.
According to the specialist, the investigation will begin by placing the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 virus —obtained by means of cultivation and inactivated in the institution's laboratory— on Tito.
"Afterwards, Tito's immune response will be analyzed, and every time a good result is achieved, a sample of its lymphocytes will be taken to isolate the genes encoding the nano antibodies. Likewise, a genomic library will be created by cloning these genes and using other molecular biology methods," Bailon stated.
Moreover, he said, the researcher team will select the nano antibodies that are more specific for protein S of the virus, which is fundamental for the binding of the virus to the cells it infects.
"Then, we will evaluate the effectiveness of the nano antibodies to treat the virus infection in cell cultures and hamsters. If they are able to neutralize the infection effectively, the nano antibodies could be used in a subsequent clinical trial —which is not part of this study— to assess the feasibility of their use to treat people," he added.
The Ministry of Health (Minsa) reported that the INS researchers behind this ambitious project are Henri Bailon, Carlos Padilla, Omar Caceres, Marco Galarza, Silvia Capristano, David Garcia, Juan Levano, Nancy Rojas, Paquita Garcia, Miryam Palomino and Silvia Seraylan.
In addition, they are assisted by Dr. Patricia Herrera Velit from Cayetano Heredia University (UPCH), as co-researcher.
(END) NDP/LIT/RMB/MVB
Published: 8/7/2020