Work Package 1
Design, in vitro production and biophysical characterization of nanobodies
Project Overview
GuardAgents develops nanobody-based biopesticides targeting Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) to enhance plant immunity and reduce pesticide dependency. The project combines in vitro (E. coli) and in vivo (plant) production, followed by efficacy testing in plants and biosafety assessments.
Grant Agreement ID: 101236168
Programme: Horizon Europe
Action: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (Staff Exchanges)
Duration: 48 months (1 Nov 2025 – 31 Oct 2029)
Total budget: €1,738,470
Planned effort: 347 person-months across the consortium
Why GuardAgents
Conventional pesticide use raises concerns about chemical residues and sustainability. GuardAgents advances nanobody-based alternatives designed to enhance plant immunity, minimize ecological impact, and support long-term agricultural resilience.
We pair performance testing with toxicity and environmental assessments to support responsible deployment.
An MSCA Staff Exchanges action built around inter-sectoral collaboration and staff mobility.
Work Packages
Design, in vitro production and biophysical characterization of nanobodies
Application of nanobodies as a means of prevention or response to plant viral infections and in vivo production
Comprehensive analysis of nanobody efficiency: antiviral activity, plant response, bioaccessibility/bioavailability and toxicity studies.
Sustainability analysis, environmental & socio-economic assessment, exploitation strategy and business plan for GuardAgents outcomes.
Our Partners
Advancing Research Together The heart of our project relies on knowledge exchange, and we are thrilled to announce that the GuardAgents Secondment Program is officially underway! Researchers are crossing borders to collaborate,...
Guard Agents 1st YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c41_oeCSghk
HOW PLANTS WILL DEFEND THEMSELVES: A NEW WAY TO FIGHT CROP VIRUSES? On 19 November 2025, we officially launched our MSCA Staff Exchanges project, GuardAgents. This milestone marked the beginning of an...
19-20 November 2025, Patras, Greece Conference and Cultural Center of the University of PatrasUniversity Campus, 26504, Rio, Greece Final agenda of the Kickoff meeting in (EET & CET time zones)! GuardAgents_Agenda_Final_CET GuardAgents_Agenda_Final_EET
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“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Grant Agreement No 101236168”
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