The VIB Nanobody Core: Generating nanobodies for research tools, diagnostics & therapeutics

Recombinant Nanobodies (Nbs) are a unique form of monoclonal antibodies derived from camelid heavy-chain antibodies, characterized by a single antigen binding domain. Nbs are small, stable, user-friendly and easy to produce in various host cells including E. coli. Nbs bind their targets with nM affinities and often interact with epitopes that are less accessible to/ or less immunogenic for classical antibodies. Nbs can be easily tailored for a wide range of applications (immunodetection, immunomodulation, intracellular expression, biosensor applications, affinity purification, etc.). Numerous publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals as well as the existence of several companies based on Nb-technology testify the great potential of Nbs as research tools, diagnostics and therapeutics. The VIB Nanobody Core (VIB/NSF) was founded in 2005 by a team of VIB scientists internationally recognized as pioneers in Nb technology and as major contributors to its development. The Nb technology and expertise is available to all scientists (academic and non-academic) worldwide through VIB/NSF.