Site-specific functionalization of Nanobodies as probes for Molecular Imaging and Therapy - Theranostic tool (FWOAL780)

Nanobodies (nbs, single-domain antibodies), the smallest intact antigen-binding fragments derived from heavy-chain only antibodies naturally occurring in Camelidae, are a new class of probes with excellent properties for therapy and molecular imaging. They are currently in a first-in-human clinical trial in the UZ Brussel. There is a need in the clinic for molecular tools that help physicians to identify and characterize diseases and treat patients more efficiently and more personalized. The success of translation of new probes to clinical use also depends on production quality and reproducibility. Nbs have been labeled with various radioisotopes for Nuclear Imaging (SPECT, PET) and Radionuclide Therapy, and with Near Infrared Fluorophores (NIRF) for optical imaging via chemical derivatization of these small proteins.

However, this approach has lead to the production of heterogeneous compounds. In order to overcome this issue, the current project aims at producing novel nb probes for imaging and therapy – theranostic tool - through enzymatic and click strategies that allow the development of homogenous single compounds with enhanced reproducible pharmacokinetic and -dynamic properties that are of great importance for clinical translation. The theranostic approach is becoming very important in the field as the same probes can be used in a first stage for diagnosis and in a second stage for the treatment of diseases.

Keywords:Nanobodies

Disciplines:Nanobiotechnology