Translational Protein Design: How AI is Transforming Therapeutic Discovery in Snakebite and Cancer
Event Details
- Type
- Center for Studies in Physics and Biology Seminars
- Speaker(s)
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Timothy P. Jenkins, Ph.D., associate professor, Technical University of Denmark
- Speaker bio(s)
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Advances in generative AI are transforming how we discover and engineer therapeutic proteins. Rather than relying on random screening or animal immunisation, these models can now learn the fundamental principles of molecular recognition and design proteins capable of binding virtually any target. This talk will illustrate how such methods are being applied to address two very different biomedical challenges. The first involves designing synthetic proteins that neutralise deadly snake venoms by targeting key neurotoxins and cytotoxins. These de novo binders were created using AI-driven structural generation and achieved potent neutralisation both in vitro and in vivo, offering a potential path to safer, scalable, and globally accessible antivenom therapies. The second example focuses on targeting peptide–MHC complexes that present intracellular cancer antigens on the cell surface. Using generative models, we designed minibinders that specifically recognise these complexes and, when incorporated into immune cell receptors, enable precise killing of tumour cells. Together, these studies demonstrate how AI-guided protein design can move beyond prediction to invention, unlocking new therapeutic strategies across neglected diseases and advanced immunotherapies alike.
- Open to
- Public
- Phone
- (212) 327-8636
- Sponsor
-
Melanie Lee
(212) 327-8636
leem@rockefeller.edu