Nanobodies are unique antibody fragments derived from camelid species such as alpacas, llamas, and camels. They are just one tenth the size of a traditional antibody, but just as effective at binding. They are also much easier to work with because they are composed of a single peptide instead of the paired light and heavy chains found in a traditional antibody. In the Tafesse lab, we use phage display to generate nanobodies against antigens from numerous human pathogens including M. tuberculosis and SARS-CoV-2. We use these nanobodies to study host-pathogen interactions and devise ways to block the activity of specific antigens.