Applications of nanobodies in plant science and biotechnology

Plant Mol Biol. 2021 Jan;105(1-2):43-53. doi: 10.1007/s11103-020-01082-z. Epub 2020 Oct 10.

Abstract

Present review summarizes the current applications of nanobodies in plant science and biotechnology, including plant expression of nanobodies, plant biotechnological applications, nanobody-based immunodetection, and nanobody-mediated resistance against plant pathogens. Nanobodies (Nbs) are variable domains of heavy chain-only antibodies (HCAbs) isolated from camelids. In spite of their single domain structure, nanobodies display many unique features, such as small size, high stability, and cryptic epitopes accessibility, which make them ideal for sophisticated applications in plants and animals. In this review, we summarize the current applications of nanobodies in plant science and biotechnology, focusing on nanobody expression in plants, plant biotechnological applications, determination of plant toxins and pathogens, and nanobody-mediated resistance against plant pathogens. Prospects and challenges of nanobody applications in plants are also discussed.

Keywords: Nanobiotechnology; Nanobody; Plant biotechnology; Single-domain antibody; VHH.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biotechnology / methods*
  • Epitopes
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / classification
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / metabolism
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Plants*
  • Single-Domain Antibodies* / chemistry
  • Single-Domain Antibodies* / immunology
  • Single-Domain Antibodies* / metabolism

Substances

  • Epitopes
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains
  • Single-Domain Antibodies