# Development of Nanobody-Expressing Nanosomes for Neutralization of Influenza Virus

## TL;DR

Researchers developed a new influenza treatment using nanosomes that can neutralize the virus quickly when administered intranasally.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is the development of neutralizing nanosomes using engineered minicells displaying anti-hemagglutinin nanobodies for immediate mucosal protection.

## Key findings

- Neutralizing nanosomes effectively neutralized H1N1 infection in a preclinical mouse model.
- Intranasal administration suppressed viral replication and alleviated symptoms in the respiratory tract.
- The nanosomes offer immediate protection, unlike vaccines that take weeks to work.

## Abstract

Influenza viruses remain a persistent threat to both human and animal health, whereas current countermeasures—vaccination and livestock culling—offer only delayed, partial, or economically burdensome protection. Here, we describe the development of a mucosal nanotherapy based on chromosome-free minicells derived from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, engineered to surface-display a broadly reactive anti-hemagglutinin nanobody. These therapeutic agents, termed “neutralizing nanosomes” present nanobody molecules anchored on the minicell surface that retain full binding functionality against a broad spectrum of influenza viruses, including H1N1. Importantly, intranasal administration of neutralizing nanosomes effectively neutralized H1N1 infection in vivo, alleviating physiological symptoms and suppressing viral replication in the respiratory tract of a preclinical mouse model. Unlike vaccines, which require weeks to confer protection, our neutralizing nanosomes provide an immediate barrier at the respiratory mucosa—the primary portal of influenza entry—offering a promising adjunct to existing vaccines and antiviral drugs.