Nanobody neutralizes deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses in lab tests

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July 8, 2025, 4:50 PM

• •Researchers have discovered a nanobody, DS90, that can neutralize the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses.
• •The nanobody, derived from alpacas, is smaller and more stable than traditional antibodies, allowing it to access difficult areas of the virus.
• •DS90 was combined with an existing antibody therapy, preventing the Nipah virus from mutating and potentially stopping new variants.
• •The team plans to develop a therapeutic for clinical use in the event of outbreaks of these viruses.

A team at the University of Queensland has identified a nanobody, called DS90, that can neutralize the Nipah and Hendra viruses, which currently lack approved vaccines or cures. This nanobody, derived from alpacas, is significantly smaller than traditional antibodies, enabling it to access and block viral infection more effectively. The research team also found that combining DS90 with an existing antibody therapy prevents the Nipah virus from mutating, highlighting a powerful technique to combat the virus. Their next step involves developing a therapeutic for potential outbreaks of these deadly viruses, which cause severe respiratory and neurological diseases.

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