Applications of nanobodies in plant science and biotechnology

Key message Present review summarizes the current applications of nanobodies in plant science and biotechnology, including plant expression of nanobodies, plant biotechnological applications, nanobody-based immunodetection, and nanobody-mediated resistance against plant pathogens. Nanobodies (Nbs) are variable domains of heavy chain-only antibodies (HCAbs) isolated from camelids. In spite of their single domain structure, nanobodies display many unique features, such as small size, high stability, and cryptic epitopes accessibility, which make them ideal for sophisticated applications in plants and animals. In this review, we summarize the current applications of nanobodies in plant science and biotechnology, focusing on nanobody expression in plants, plant biotechnological applications, determination of plant toxins and pathogens, and nanobody-mediated resistance against plant pathogens. Prospects and challenges of nanobody applications in plants are also discussed.

Automated summary

Nanobodies, variable domains of heavy chain-only antibodies isolated from camelids, exhibit unique features such as small size, high stability, and cryptic epitopes accessibility, making them ideal for advanced applications in plants and animals. Current applications of nanobodies in plant science and biotechnology include expression in plants, biotechnological applications, toxin and pathogen determination, and resistance against plant pathogens. Prospects and challenges of nanobody applications in plants are also discussed in this review.