Advancing NutriEV antibody development through target prioritisation 

5 May 2026
NEWS
NutriEV researchers gathered in a meeting room at the University of Oulu, with Phillip Heine presenting extracellular vesicle protein structures on a screen while colleagues follow the discussion on laptops.

Recently, NutriEV partners from Technische Universität Braunschweig (TU Braunschweig) visited the University of Oulu in Finland for a focused project meeting. While such exchanges are a regular part of collaborative research, this visit marked an important step forward in translating NutriEV’s scientific vision into concrete experimental progress. 

At the centre of the discussions was a key challenge: how to identify and prioritise the most relevant extracellular vesicle (EV) targets for downstream applications. 

Moving from exploration to precision 

In simple terms, the purpose of the visit was to refine and prioritise EV protein targets, particularly those derived from plant-based foods such as cloudberry, wheatgrass, and fava bean. These proteins are essential because they serve as antigens/targets, the molecular starting point for generating antibodies. 

These antibodies are not just another experimental tool. They are fundamental to the project’s success, enabling: 

  • Detection of nutriEVs in complex biological systems (including food) 
  • Isolation and purification of EVs from food 
  • Functional studies across in vitro, in vivo, and clinical settings  

During the meeting, the team aligned on a prioritised set of EV proteins, with a particular focus on cloudberry-derived targets and genes of interest were directly ordered for antigen production.  

Why this step matters now 

At this stage of the project, selecting the right EV targets is a critical bottleneck. The success of downstream work packages, ranging from mechanistic studies to clinical applications, depends on the availability of robust and specific antibodies. 

“We need to focus on the most important EV proteins to generate antibodies for detection and purification, this step is essential for the progress of the project”, Michael Hust.  

By focusing on proteins that are shared across multiple plant sources, the team ensures that the tools developed will be: 

  • Comparable across different food-derived EVs  
  • Scalable for broader applications  
  • Relevant for both experimental and translational research  

This strategic alignment directly supports the development of biochemical tools  and strengthens the foundation for subsequent work on EV tracking, diagnostics, and therapeutic potential. 

Cloudberry as a model system 

One of the key outcomes of the visit was the decision to prioritise cloudberry EV antigens. This positions cloudberry not only as a nutritionally interesting food source, but also as a model system for tool development within NutriEV. 

By anchoring antibody development around a well-defined and biologically relevant source, the project gains a clearer experimental direction and a stronger basis for comparison across studies. 

The value of in-person collaboration 

Beyond the scientific decisions, the visit also highlights the importance of face-to-face collaboration in complex research projects. 

While virtual meetings are efficient, they often fall short when it comes to: 

  • Rapid iteration of ideas  
  • Nuanced scientific discussion  
  • Real-time decision-making  

As noted by Prof. Michael Hust, personal interaction allows for more open and productive exchanges, accelerating both understanding and progress. 

Building the foundation for future impact 

Looking ahead, the outcomes of this visit have far-reaching implications. The development of high-quality antibodies against nutriEVs will enable: 

  • Precise tracking of EVs across biological systems  
  • Development of non-invasive diagnostic approaches, including sweat-based detection  
  • Exploration of nutriEVs as functional components in nutrition and health  

In essence, these antibodies will act as a cornerstone technology for the entire NutriEV pipeline. 

A decisive step forward 

This collaboration between TU Braunschweig and the University of Oulu represents more than a routine project meeting. It marks a decisive shift from conceptual planning to targeted implementation, where key molecular decisions are now driving experimental progress. 

By translating discussion into action, the NutriEV consortium continues to build the tools needed to unlock the full potential of food-derived extracellular vesicles in health, diagnostics, and beyond.