A recent study has found that antibody-like proteins in the immune system of sharks may be able to block the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants.
A photo of a shark off the coast of Massachusetts (USA). (Photo: AP).
The Daily Mail (UK) reported on December 16, quoting Professor Aaron LeBeau from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA), that these immune proteins in sharks are called VNAR, which are about one-tenth the size of human antibodies. This small size allows them to “access corners and crevices that human antibodies find difficult to reach.”
Professor LeBeau and his team have identified three types of VNAR that are effective in preventing the SARS-CoV-2 virus from attacking human cells. Additionally, these three types of VNAR are also effective against SARS-CoV-1, which caused the SARS outbreak in 2003.
However, the researchers emphasize that these VNARs will not be available during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the team is preparing to use this type of protein to combat future outbreaks. Professor LeBeau and his team have been working double time to utilize VNAR as a preventive method for future pandemics.
Professor LeBeau stated: “The big issue is that there are many coronaviruses that pose a risk of spreading in humans. What we are doing is preparing for shark VNAR treatment for future severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreaks.”
The researchers have tested shark VNAR against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and a version of the virus that cannot replicate in cells. As a result, the studies have narrowed down to three VNAR candidates that could be used for treatment. Professor LeBeau is also researching the potential use of shark VNAR in cancer treatment and diagnosis.
Scientists around the world have been studying sharks for COVID-19 treatment for over a year. The natural oil found in shark livers, known as squalene, has been evaluated as an effective component in COVID-19 vaccines and has been used in several other potential vaccines.
Squalene is used as an agent to enhance the efficacy of vaccines by creating a stronger immune response. However, the extraction of squalene from sharks has become a controversial topic among animal rights activists because obtaining squalene requires the killing of these predatory fish.
