Mathieu Vinken, a professor at the In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-cosmetology (IVTD) lab at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and his doctoral student Raf Van Campenhout have devised a method using nanobody technology to thwart liver inflammation. Nanobodies, also known as single-domain antibodies, are antibody fragments capable of selectively binding to specific antigens. Due to their straightforward production and precise reactivity, nanobodies find widespread applications in various biotechnological, therapeutic, and diagnostic contexts.

"In a prior research endeavor funded by an ERC Starting Grant, my team identified a particular molecule type, pannexins, as a significant player in certain inflammatory diseases," explains Vinken. "Pannexins are tubular molecules present in the cell membrane. In a healthy state, these tubes remain closed, but in diseased conditions, they open, allowing substances to pass through, triggering inflammation and eventual cell death. By employing nanobodies, we can suppress the opening of these pannexin tubes, thereby disrupting the inflammatory response."

To advance this nanobody technology, Vinken secured additional funding through an ERC Proof of Concept and an FWO research grant. He collaborates with Professor Nick Devoogdt and postdoc Timo De Groof from the Molecular Imaging and Therapy research group at VUB, who specialize in the creation and visualization of nanobodies.

Nanobodies exhibit unparalleled efficiency in closing pannexins." Thus far, the research has been carried out in vitro and on a mouse model. The subsequent phase involves a clinical study to explore potential side effects. The capability of pannexin-specific nanobodies to address more intricate disease conditions in conjunction with other agents will be scrutinized in due course. The findings were disclosed on October 11 in the Journal of Nanobiotechnology. Simultaneously, the team has submitted a patent application with the intention of advancing the technology for further (commercial) development, seeking investment, and fostering collaboration with potential business partners.