Abstract
Cell plasma membrane proteins are considered as gatekeepers of the cell and play a major role in regulating various processes. Transport proteins constitute a subclass of cell plasma membrane proteins enabling the exchange of molecules and ions between the extracellular environment and the cytosol. A plethora of human pathologies are associated with the altered expression or dysfunction of cell plasma membrane transport proteins, making them interesting therapeutic drug targets. However, the search for therapeutics is challenging, since many drug candidates targeting cell plasma membrane proteins fail in (pre)clinical testing due to inadequate selectivity, specificity, potency or stability. These latter characteristics are met by nanobodies, which potentially renders them eligible therapeutics targeting cell plasma membrane proteins. Therefore, a therapeutic nanobody-based strategy seems a valid approach to target and modulate the activity of cell plasma membrane transport proteins. This review paper focuses on methodologies to generate cell plasma membrane transport protein-targeting nanobodies, and the advantages and pitfalls while generating these small antibody-derivatives, and discusses several therapeutic nanobodies directed towards transmembrane proteins, including channels and pores, adenosine triphosphate-powered pumps and porters.
Highlights
The cell plasma membrane is an essential structure, as it shapes cyto-architecture and protects cellular integrity
Cell plasma membrane proteins form a family of integral membrane proteins that can be grouped in several subclasses, denoted as channels and pores, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-powered pumps and porters [3]
Cell plasma membrane transport proteins participate in the transfer of substances Cell plasma membrane transport proteins participate in the transfer of substances through the cell plasma membrane, including glutamate, glucose, ATP and cyclic adenothrough the cell plasma membrane, including glutamate, glucose, ATP and cyclic adenosine monophosphate as well as ions, such as calcium, potassium and sodium [1,2]
Summary
The cell plasma membrane is an essential structure, as it shapes cyto-architecture and protects cellular integrity. The cell plasma membrane features an impermeable double phospholipid layer structure, the passage of ions and biomolecules, such as glucose, glutamate, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and water-soluble vitamins, through this membrane is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Such cross-membrane trafficking of biomolecules and ions between the cellular cytosol and the extracellular environment is facilitated and regulated by membrane transport proteins that are associated with the cell plasma membrane [1,2]. Nanobodies are a plausible therapeutic alternative for targeting cell plasma membrane transport proteins. The use of transport protein-targeting nanobodies as therapeutic agents for various diseases is discussed
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have