AtaGenix Laboratories
AtaGenix Laboratories
Release time: 2026-03-23 View volume: 19
VHH nanobodies are the smallest functional antibody fragments (~15 kDa), derived from camelid heavy-chain-only antibodies. Their compact size, exceptional stability, and unique ability to access cryptic epitopes make them increasingly important across research, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
A VHH (Variable domain of Heavy chain of Heavy-chain antibody) nanobody is a single-domain antibody fragment derived from the heavy-chain-only antibodies (HCAbs) naturally produced by camelids (llamas, alpacas, camels). Unlike conventional antibodies (~150 kDa) that require paired VH and VL domains, VHH nanobodies consist of a single variable domain (~15 kDa) that retains full antigen-binding capability.
Compact Size (~15 kDa)
10× smaller than IgG. Enhanced tissue penetration, access to sterically hindered and cryptic epitopes (enzyme active sites, GPCR clefts, viral canyon regions).
Exceptional Stability
Resistant to aggregation, tolerant of extreme pH (2–12) and temperature (up to 90 °C for some variants). Maintains activity after freeze-thaw cycles.
Long CDR3 Loops
Extended CDR3 regions can form finger-like protrusions that penetrate into protein cavities, accessing epitopes inaccessible to conventional antibodies.
Easy Production
Efficiently expressed in E. coli or yeast at low cost. Single-gene format simplifies cloning, engineering, and scale-up compared to two-chain antibodies.
Therapeutics: Caplacizumab (anti-vWF) is the first FDA-approved nanobody. Multiple candidates in clinical trials for oncology, inflammation, and infectious disease.
In Vivo Imaging: Small size enables rapid tissue penetration and fast blood clearance, ideal for PET/SPECT imaging. Anti-HER2 VHH imaging agents are in phase II trials.
Intracellular Targeting: As intrabodies, nanobodies can function inside living cells for real-time imaging and intracellular target modulation (with appropriate delivery).
CAR-T & Bispecifics: Ideal building blocks for CAR-T constructs and multispecific antibody formats due to their single-domain, modular architecture.
Structural Biology: Widely used as crystallization chaperones to stabilize flexible proteins for X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM.
AtaGenix’s VHH nanobody service delivers validated binders in 8–12 weeks, with library sizes of 10⁸–10¹&sup0; clones and affinities typically in the 10⁻⁸–10⁻¹¹ M range. Phage, yeast, or ribosome display options are available.
Interested in VHH nanobody discovery for your target? AtaGenix provides end-to-end services from camelid immunization to validated, sequence-confirmed binders.
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+86-27-87001869
info@atagenix.com
Building C, R & D Building, No. 666, Shendun 4th Road, Donghu New Technology Development Zone, Wuhan
