Nanobody Based Nanosystems to Contend Neisseria meningitidis and West Nile Virus

Abstract

Neisseria meningitides (NM) , commensal bacteria of the nasopharyngeal region and West Nile Virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus are having the propensity to cause neuroinvasive meningitis and/or encephalitis. Several mechanisms of traversal through blood-brain barrier are suggested for both the pathogens, however, interaction with human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs) is pivotal. As an attempt to contend their pathogenesis in the brain, we aimed to generate nanobodies also known as VHH (variable heavy chain antibodies) against NM and WNV using phage display. These nanobodies are intended to specifically recognize NM and WNV at hBMECs and block the ligand-receptor interactions. Additionally, traversal of nanobodies through in vitro BBB after their conjugation with drug-loaded nanocarriers (e.g. polymers and dendrimer) will be assessed.