Overview
- Published in Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, the review by CNRS researchers Philippe Rondard and Pierre-André Lafon outlines how nanobodies’ small size and high solubility enable passive entry into the brain in mice.
- Preclinical studies cited in the paper report brain accumulation, restored memory and behavior, and more than a week of cognitive improvement in mice with no detectable toxicity or inflammation.
- A nanobody targeting the mGlu2 receptor acted as a positive allosteric modulator, enhancing signaling only when endogenous neurotransmitters were present, which the authors say could limit side effects.
- The authors note that nanobodies are easier to produce, purify, and engineer than conventional antibodies, allowing precise receptor targeting beyond the reach of many small-molecule drugs.
- Key steps before any human testing include toxicology and long‑term safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, checks on stability and aggregation, and production of clinical‑grade formulations, with some labs beginning chronic-use studies.