Works in Progress Podcast

Hacking proteins with AI

11 snips
Oct 1, 2025
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing protein design, aiming to create safer and more effective vaccines. Tools like AlphaFold and ProteinMPNN are leading the charge in re-engineering proteins, particularly targeting the Strep A antigen for potential vaccines. The discussion highlights how modifying proteins can enhance manufacturability and stability. Listeners learn about the intricate processes of testing candidates in labs and how breakthroughs from AI have already impacted COVID and RSV vaccine development. Can we design entirely novel proteins using AI? Tune in to find out!
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INSIGHT

AI Transforms Protein Design

  • AI now predicts protein structures and enables design of proteins never seen in nature.
  • This unlocks new medicines, improved vaccines, and engineered proteins for many industries.
INSIGHT

Target Surface Antigens For Strep A

  • Targeting surface proteins like C5a peptidase can enable vaccines against strep A.
  • A properly chosen antigen can prevent immune confusion that leads to rheumatic heart disease.
ANECDOTE

Hands-On At Institute For Protein Design

  • Jacob visited the Institute for Protein Design to experiment with ProteinMPNN on a strep A antigen.
  • He used the tool to propose redesigned versions of the antigen as vaccine candidates.
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