Nanobodies have become outstanding tools for biomedical research, diagnostics and therapy. Recent advances in the identification and functionalization of target-specific nanobodies now make nanobody-based approaches broadly available to many researches in the field. This book provides a compilation of original research articles and comprehensive reviews covering important and up to date aspects of research on nanobodies and their applications for immunoassays, proteomics, protein crystallization and in vitro and in vivo imaging.

Eukaryotic cells are divided into a nuclear and a cytoplasmic compartment. This separates transcription from translation and makes gene expression dependent on nucleocytoplasmic transport. The members of the importin β superfamily function as shuttling nuclear transport receptors (NTRs) that recognize and actively transport cargoes through nuclear pores. An estimated 5 000 to 10 000 different human proteins are subject to active nuclear transport. Numerous cargo/NTR pairs have been identified, however, we are still far from a complete understanding as it has been very challenging to setup a systematic in vivo analysis that integrates the impact of all transport pathways. In this study, we obtained anti-NTR nanobodies against TRN1, Xpo4, Xpo7, and CAS. Our aim was to identify nanobodies, and prepare nanobody fusions, that impede nuclear pore-passage of the targeted NTR and thus, interrupt a given transport cycle. These nanobody fusions were observed to inhibit the partition of NTR/cargo complexes into a reconstituted FG phase. We also observed that the nanobodies and nanobody fusions inhibit NTR transport in permeabilized cells.

This volume illustrates the functional properties of NAbs. Authors from pioneering groups report in their chapters on the tissue homeostatic, tissue regenerating and regulatory properties of NAbs and NAbs in pooled human IgG. Scientists interested in the regulation and modulation of components of the immune system found a whole variety of NAbs to cytokines with regulatory and protective functions and NAbs that modulate, e.g., dendritic cells, regulatory T cells, B cells and granulocytes. Considering the large plasma pools and initial difficulties in preparing IVIG that does not induce adverse effects upon infusion into recipients, this volume ends with a historical chapter on how pooled human plasma was fractionated and the IgG component pretreated for a safe intravenous application.

Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) represent the minimal antigen binding-competent form of the immunoglobulin domain and have unique properties and applications. SdAbs are naturally produced as the variable domains of the heavy chain-only antibodies of camelid ruminants and cartilaginous fishes, but can also be engineered synthetically from autonomous human or mouse VH or VL domains. The scope of this research topic and associated e-book covers current understanding and new developments in (i) the biology, immunology and immunogenetics of sdAbs in camelids and cartilaginous fishes, (ii) strategies for sdAb discovery, (iii) protein engineering approaches to increase the solubility, stability and antigen-binding affinity of sdAbs and (iv) specialized applications of sdAbs in areas such diagnostics, imaging and therapeutics.

Functionalized Nanomaterials for Cancer Research: Applications in Treatments, Tools and Devices presents an in-depth and step by step description of knowledge on functionalized nanomaterials for cancer research, including treatment and future developments as well as their impact on patients' overall outcomes. The book discusses the functionalized nanoplatforms for cancer detection and imaging, interactions between nanomaterials and cancer cells, and drug resistant malignancies. The chapters are organized in a manner that can be readily adopted as sources for new and further studies by highlighting the main in vitro and in vivo nano-therapeutic achievements on cancer. Additionally, current trends on functionalized nanomaterials for cancer research and commercial scale opportunities are discussed. It is a valuable resource for researchers, oncologists, students, and members of the biomedical and medical fields who want to learn more about the potential of nanotechnology in cancer research and treatment. - Provides comprehensive coverage on functionalized nanomaterials for cancer therapeutics and future developments - Explores current trends on functionalized nanomaterials for cancer research and commercial scale opportunities - Discusses real-world case studies on functionalized nanomaterials for cancer therapy and research