Structure-guided immunogen and immunotherapeutic design

19 Aug 2024 (11:50 am)

19 Aug 2024 (12:20 pm)

Structural biology is essential for the rational design of novel vaccines, drugs, immunotherapeutics, or other biologics. Stabilised HIV-1 envelope antigens have facilitated the discovery of rare broad and potently neutralizing antibodies, and structure-guided stabilisation of coronavirus spikes facilitated the rapid design of SARS-CoV-2 spike vaccines. Similarly, snakebite envenomation, which kills >135,000 people annually, remains a Neglected Tropical Disease, with the only effective antivenom (polyvalent animal plasma) made through outdated technology. Our work in mAb discovery and structure-guided design has impacted HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development, and has led to next-generation monoclonal antivenom antibodies for the treatment of bites by African mambas and cobras.