Protein Design for Biotherapeutics

Projects

Development of AI-designed trimers for HIV vaccination

One of our group’s main goals is to develop new vaccine approaches against HIV. Thanks to artificial intelligence, we can now design molecules with novel properties, opening up new opportunities for vaccine research.

In particular, we are developing HIV-1 envelope (Env) trimers displaying gp120 subunits without gp41. These new structures are designed to limit the exposure of specific viral regions that typically trigger immune responses that are ineffective against infection. Through this innovative platform, we are exploring new strategies for developing vaccines capable of inducing broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1.

De novo gp120 monomers for HIV-1 vaccines

This project focuses on developing innovative immunogens derived from HIV-1 envelope gp120 monomers. These new monomers are designed to adopt a molecular structure that closely resembles that of prefusion closed Env trimers. They aim to specifically stimulate B cells capable of producing broadly neutralizing antibodies. These molecules are engineered to preserve the native structure of the gp120 subunit before its interaction with CD4, while masking specific regions that could divert the immune response.

The ability of these new molecules to activate specific B cells and guide their maturation is being evaluated in collaboration with the teams of Drs. Pancera and Stamatatos (Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, USA). With this work, we aim to develop new immunogens that can foster focused responses leading to B cell maturation towards neutralizing breadth.

AI-guided design of binders and immunogens

Beyond HIV, our group is expanding its research to other pathogens for which effective vaccines are not yet available. We are particularly interested in viral glycoproteins and use artificial intelligence to design novel immunogens capable of eliciting targeted immune responses.

In parallel, we collaborate with other research teams to develop binders, engineered proteins designed to specifically recognize and bind molecular targets. By leveraging AI-guided protein design methods, we aim to address a wide range of needs, from fundamental research to the development of new biomedical applications.