AbNano® VHH Naïve Library
The Problem with Predictive Diversity
Our AbNano VHH Naïve Library is built from natural camelid immune repertoires to maximize protein-level diversity and unlock binders against a wide range of therapeutic targets. Delivered ready to pan, it is the fastest way to start discovering novel, high-affinity VHHs without the complexity of building a library yourself. By starting with nature’s own diversity, AbNano gives discovery teams an authentic and adaptable platform. The result is a tool that fits seamlessly into existing workflows while expanding the range of what is possible in therapeutic antibody development.
Why AbNano
Small. Stable. Specific.
Easy to Use
- Delivered ready to pan so you can start discovery immediately.
- No cloning or library construction required.
- Single-domain format simplifies workflows and downstream engineering.
Freedom to Operate
- Perform selections and panning in your own lab and on your own terms.
- Perpetual, royalty-free, non-exclusive license included with purchase.
Versatile Discovery Tool
- Captures antibodies against a wide variety of proteins and peptides.
- Isolates antibodies with diverse interaction profiles.
- Minimal genetic redundancy ensures broader sequence space.
Scientific Support
- Access to protocols, technical guidance, and risk assessments for new projects.
- Our scientific team partners with you to ensure project success.
Technical Overview
How It's Constructed
The AbNano VHH Naïve Library is constructed from 103 naïve camelids (77 llamas and 26 alpacas). More than 1.51 × 10¹⁰ PBMCs were collected and processed using our proprietary workflows for RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, and PCR amplification. Transformants were screened and validated by Sanger and next-generation sequencing, with 89% of VHH sequences in-frame.
- Library Size: 1.12 × 10¹⁰ CFU
- Delivery format: 1 mL aliquots at 10¹¹ PFU/mL, ready to pan
- Custom formats: Available on request
AbNano VHH Naïve Library Performance & Validation
To demonstrate the discovery power and performance of the AbNano Naïve VHH library, we conducted representative phage display panning campaigns against several biologically relevant targets.
These included two extracellular domains of receptor tyrosine kinase complexes, the insulin receptor (INSR) β isoform and the epidermal growth factor
receptor (EGFR) canonical isoform, as well as the immune checkpoint protein PD-L1, an important cancer biomarker.
After three rounds of selection, 94 random clones were screened by ELISA, and high-signal candidates were further characterized for binding activity.
The AbNano Naïve VHH library consistently produces nanomolar binders against challenging targets, including proteins, peptides, VLPs, and live cells. Its natural diversity supports broad discovery campaigns and enables rapid hit generation.
Who benefits
Biopharma, biotech, and academic teams developing immune-targeted therapeutics or diagnostics gain a direct path to validated, functional VHHs. The AbNano Naïve VHH Library supports reproducible hit identification and integrates seamlessly into discovery, engineering, and preclinical development workflows.
Modular, Versatile, And Engineerable VHH Domains
AbNano VHH antibodies offer human-like frameworks and CDR3 length distributions close to human IgHV3-23. This simplifies humanization and downstream development. Their small size enables rapid clearance, while PK/PD profiles can be tuned through covalent and non-covalent engineering.
This flexibility enables:
AbNano has already yielded nanomolar-affinity VHH binders to key therapeutic targets including PD-L1, EGFR, and INSR-β. These validated results demonstrate its potential as a discovery engine for next-generation therapeutics.
AbNano VHH Naïve Library Specifications
Libraries were constructed following Abcore's internal workflows for RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, and PCR amplification using species-specific primers. Transformants were analyzed initially by Sanger sequencing.
Sanger analysis demonstrated 89% of VHH sequences in-frame. The library was subsequently analyzed by next generation sequencing methodology. Reads were clustered and analyzed for diversity and confirmed to meet our QC standards.
The total number of transformants for the library was 1.12 x 1010 CFU. Library bacterial stocks were grown to log phase, infected by M13KO7, PEG precipitated, and the pooled phage was titered. Phage were normalized in PBS + 20% glycerol and aliquoted as 1 mL tubes frozen and stored at -80 °C. The library is delivered as 1 mL aliquots.
Nanomolar VHH binders of PD-L1 and Other Therapeutic Targets from the AbNano VHH Naïve Library
Discovering novel VHH domains can take place by multiple workflows, including using B-cell sorting and using display libraries. In this poster, we present the construction and validation of the AbNano VHH Naive Library, a large naïve library from llamas and alpacas
