Llamas may play a surprising role in future treatments for schizophrenia, a serious brain disorder that affects how people perceive reality. The condition impacts around 3.7 million adults in the U.S., according to nonprofit group RTI International.
This week, French scientists announced that they had developed a new kind of treatment based on antibodies from llamas. These antibodies led to the creation of tiny protein fragments called nanobodies, which can reach the brain and may help restore normal brain function.
The research team at the Institute of Functional Genomics found that these nanobodies can activate specific neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that help nerve cells communicate, and their role is essential in managing thoughts, emotions, and actions.
When the researchers injected these nanobodies into mice, they crossed the blood-brain barrier—a tightly sealed layer of cells that protects the brain from harmful substances. This is a significant achievement, as many medications struggle to penetrate this barrier.
In their tests, the scientists found that just one injection of the nanobodies improved the mice’s cognitive functions. The effects lasted for at least one week. This suggests that the treatment could potentially help correct the cognitive deficits seen in schizophrenia patients.
See also: How Does Someone Develop Schizophrenia?
“No llamas were harmed,” the researchers confirmed. They were able to collect the antibodies without distressing the animals and identify the nanobodies in laboratory settings.
These nanobodies had already shown promise in past research, including efforts to treat COVID-19 and other viruses similar to SARS. Llamas, camels, and alpacas have unique immune systems that make their antibodies especially useful in scientific research.
Dr. Jean-Philippe Pin, a molecular biologist and co-author of the study published in Nature, said the current medications used for schizophrenia treat some symptoms well but often don’t address the cognitive challenges. “In humans, obviously we don’t know [yet], but in mice, yes, it is sufficient to treat most deficits of schizophrenia,” he told Newsweek.
Schizophrenia’s exact cause remains unclear, but the World Health Organization suggests a mix of genetic and environmental factors. The condition typically appears between ages 16 and 30 and can differ greatly from person to person. While there is no known cure, treatment usually includes antipsychotic medication, therapy, and lifestyle support.
The scientists say more studies are needed in humans, but their findings could open a new path in treating schizophrenia and possibly other brain-related illnesses. “This research confirms the potential of nanobodies as a new therapeutic strategy,” the institute said in a statement.
Summary of Key Points:
- Llama-derived nanobodies could offer new treatment for schizophrenia.
- One injection improved cognitive function in mice for up to a week.
- More clinical studies are needed to test results in humans.
Related topics:
What Are the Different Kinds of Schizophrenia?
