AI-designed Proteins:
Harvard scientists have used AI-designed proteins to generate large numbers of immune cells, boosting immunity against diseases like cancer and viral infections.
- They engineered a synthetic activator for the Notch signalling pathway, which is crucial for transforming immune progenitors into T cells.
- Notch signalling helps maintain tissue balance and stability in the body.
- Progenitor cells are intermediate cells between stem cells and mature cells that divide and differentiate into specific cell types, essential for tissue development and regeneration.
- Using AI-based protein design techniques, researchers engineered synthetic protein activators that are safe and effective for use within the human body.
- David Baker was awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his groundbreaking work in computational protein design, leveraging AI-based techniques.
- Impact & Applications:
- Enabled large-scale T cell production in lab bioreactors, aiding CAR-T therapies.
- In animal trials, these proteins enhanced T cell response and promoted long-lasting Memory T cells, boosting vaccine efficacy.
- Potential for future therapies, targeted protein designs could connect T cells to cancer cells, enhance anti-tumor immunity, and counter tumor-induced immune suppression.
- T cells are a type of white blood cell (WBC) essential to the immune system, responsible for identifying and responding to pathogens.
