Why llamas are secret weapons in the fight against COVID-19

Science · Published 9 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: While humans produce large, complex antibodies to fight infection, llamas possess a unique genetic quirk. These animals generate tiny, ultra-stable proteins called nanobodies. Because they are so small, these molecules can reach hidden pockets on viruses that larger human antibodies simply cannot access, making them a secret weapon against disease.

Llamas belong to the camelid family, which includes camels and alpacas. These animals produce a unique type of antibody known as a nanobody. These molecules are roughly half the size of human antibodies—some sources even estimate them to be about a quarter of the size. This structural difference is a major advantage: because they are so small, nanobodies can fit into specific crevices on the surface of proteins, such as the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, that larger human antibodies are physically blocked from reaching.

The scientific community first discovered this genetic quirk by accident in Belgium during the late 1980s. Since then, researchers have leveraged these nanobodies because they are remarkably stable and easier for scientists to manipulate in a lab setting. Because they are composed of single protein chains, they can be produced in high yields. This makes them a potentially cheaper and more scalable alternative to human convalescent plasma, which requires complex hospital infusions.

In laboratory experiments, researchers engineered a specific llama-derived nanobody, VHH-72Fc, which binds tightly to the spike protein of the virus. This interaction prevents the virus from undergoing the structural change needed to fuse with and enter host cells. Because nanobodies are so stable, they could potentially be stored for long periods and delivered via a simple nasal spray or inhaler, allowing patients to treat respiratory infections directly at the site of infection at home.

Current research involves using ultrabright X-rays at the Advanced Photon Source to analyze these antibodies. While researchers do not work with the live virus, they use crystals grown from simulated proteins to test how well these llama-derived defenses combat the virus's infectivity. Studies have already shown that these nanobodies can significantly reduce signs of disease in infected animal models.

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