Antidotes that deliver tiny antibodies into nerve cells for botulism
Developing novel botulism antidotes and a platform for intra-neuronal delivery of nanobodies
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-11092198
Using tiny, specially designed antibodies that can get inside nerve cells to help people harmed by botulinum toxin.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11092198 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one were exposed to botulism, this work aims to create tiny single-domain antibodies (nanobodies) that can be carried into nerve cells and neutralize the toxin after it has entered. The team will build and test a delivery platform to transport these nanobodies into motor neurons and block the toxin's damaging light chain. Early experiments will be done in laboratory systems and animal models to prove the approach before any human testing. The focus is on the most dangerous human serotypes (BoNT/A and BoNT/B) that cause prolonged paralysis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People recently exposed to or showing early signs of botulism (especially from BoNT/A or BoNT/B) would be the most relevant candidates for this line of treatment in the future.
Not a fit: Patients with long-standing, irreversible nerve damage or paralysis from other causes would be unlikely to benefit from this therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could stop or reduce paralysis after botulism exposure by neutralizing toxin already inside nerve cells.
How similar studies have performed: Related 'intrabody' and nanobody approaches have shown promise in lab and animal studies, but they are not yet proven as human treatments for botulism.
Where this research is happening
IRVINE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE — IRVINE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JIN, RONGSHENG — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- Study coordinator: JIN, RONGSHENG
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.