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Llama antibodies: new therapeutic avenues against schizophrenia


​Researchers from SIMoS (DMTS) contributed to the characterization of a nanobody (VHH) designed by scientists at the Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM). They performed tritium labeling and biodistribution tracking of this VHH, which is capable of specifically activating a glutamate receptor involved in the regulation of neuronal activity, and whose therapeutic effect was evaluated in two preclinical models of schizophrenia. This work was published in Nature.

Published on 10 September 2025

​Results summary

Nanobodies were recently generated from llama antibodies to target a key brain receptor involved in schizophrenia. Injected peripherally, these mini antibodies pass through the blood-brain barrier to reach brain cells. The treatment improves cognitive function in two animal models with the illness.

   Link to the CNRS press release 


SIMoS contribution

Tritium labeling of the VHH and in vivo biodistribution tracking revealed its presence in the central nervous system and the ability of a small proportion of the injected dose (0.08%) to cross the BBB, yet a concentration sufficient to trigger the therapeutic effect.

​Joliot contact : Denis Servent (denis.servent@cea.fr)

The discovery of nanobodies, also known as single-domain antibodies or VHHs, has opened new avenues for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases due to their small size, high stability, and strong antigen-binding affinity. These unique properties make nanobodies highly advantageous compared to conventional antibodies, with potential applications ranging from targeted drug delivery to non-invasive diagnostic imaging. These novel tools represent a significant step forward in the development of more effective and precise therapeutic strategies. ​


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