may edition 2020
Will Alpacas Become Coronavirus Heroes?
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Winter, center, a llama on a farm run by Ghent University in Belgium.
Alpacas are well known as one of the cutest animals that happen to exist. Now, they may also get the recognition for saving us from Coronavirus. Antibodies from Winter, a 4-year old alpaca have neutralized coronavirus in lab experiments. Researchers in Belgium chose her for studies that involved SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS ( Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). Knowing that her antibodies repelled those infections, scientists believe they could also neutralize COVID-19.
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Alpacas produce two different types of antibodies. One of those is similar to human antibodies in size and constitution, while the other one is only 75% smaller. “This more diminutive antibody can access tinier pockets and crevices on spike proteins- the proteins that allow viruses like the novel coronavirus to break into host cells and infect us- while human antibodies cannot. According to molecular virologist, Dr. Xavier Saelens, the use of alpaca antibodies can make it more effective in
neutralizing viruses. These antibodies can also be fused with ones from other organisms and won't be damaged as they are easily manipulated. Even though other animals have similar antibodies, alpacas have been the chosen ones since they’re domesticated and easy to handle.
In 2006, Winter the alpaca was injected with spike proteins from the 2002 SARS and MERS epidemic. Even though they couldn't isolate one antibody that worked against both viruses, they found two antibodies that fought them separately. In January, with the news about coronavirus taking over the world, scientists got to the conclusion that the smallest alpaca antibody would work for it.
Researchers are hopeful they can make a prophylactic treatment by injecting people who aren’t infected yet. The treatment protection would be immediate, but won't last forever. We can say this approach is still far from our reach but researchers are coming closer, moving to clinical trials. Hopefully, alpacas will be the ones who save us all from the dangers of this infection.
By Valeria Botero 10A