How Llama Antibodies May Help us Fight Coronavirus

A study by Wrapp et al. just published in Cell shows antibodies from llamas block SARS and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 (Wrapp et al., 2020). While this may pave the way for a potential treatment for the global coronavirus pandemic, it has left many people with a curious question:

Why llama antibodies?

Researchers investigated accidentally and then deeply, and found that all camelids (including dromedaries, llamas and alpacas) have unusual immune systems (Gross, 2000).

Camelid immune systems generate smaller antibodies that are both simpler and more compact than the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies found in all mammals.

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How Llama Antibodies May Help us Fight Coronavirus

A study by Wrapp et al. just published in Cell shows antibodies from llamas block SARS and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 (Wrapp et al., 2020). While this may pave the way for a potential treatment for the global coronavirus pandemic, it has left many people with a curious question: Why llama antibodies?