Artificial Intelligence and Immune Cell Generation

A team of Harvard scientists has leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) to engineer proteins that enhance immunity against diseases such as cancer and viral infections.

Notch Signalling Pathway

• A synthetic activator of the Notch signalling pathway was developed, crucial for transforming human immune progenitors into T cells.
• Notch signalling is vital for cellular differentiation and tissue homeostasis, maintaining the body's balance and stability.

Research Highlights

• The study addresses the need for higher T cell production in response to viral infections or cancer.
• Traditional methods of activating Notch signalling were not applicable for human therapeutic use.

AI-Driven Protein Design

AI-driven protein design technologies were utilized, a contribution that helped Dr. David Baker win the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

• A library of soluble Notch agonists was created to test their effectiveness in activating the Notch pathway and supporting T cell development.
• Laboratory bioreactors enabled large-scale T cell generation, essential for cancer immunotherapies.

Implications and Future Prospects

• Activating Notch signalling offers significant potential in immunotherapy, vaccine development, and immune cell regeneration.
• The technology aims to engineer synthetic proteins for enhanced T cell-mediated cancer cell targeting and overcoming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.