The origin of KITAIbodies®

Alpacas are much more than soft wool

The evolutionary pressure from the harsh environment they have lived and thrived in has resulted in a special form of antibodies with a robust and simplified structure. Heat and draught have generated stable protein structures. Pressure from diverse pathogens and the need for a strong immune defensive has selected for antibodies with strong and novel binding properties and low immunogenicity. Taken together these make the alpaca’s antibody immune system suitable for next generation therapeutic drugs.

“What’s in a name?”

Heavy chain antibodies (HCAbs), single domain antibody (sdAb), nanobody (Nb) or VHH, since the discovery of the unique antibodies produced by camelids, such as alpaca, about thirty years ago, we have just begun to understand their vast potential as tools in research and therapeutic drug development. Their small size, ability to cross barriers, and distinct structure set them apart from conventional antibodies and offer novel treatment modalities.

Are you curious to learn about the camelid antibodies watch: Kameldjurens fantastiska antikroppar | UR Play