Improving computer models of how antibodies and T cells recognize targets
High resolution modeling and design of immune recognition
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK · NIH-11245736
Researchers are improving computer methods that predict how antibodies and T cells bind to disease targets to help speed development of better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLLEGE PARK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11245736 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses large collections of antibody and T cell receptor sequences and known structures plus expanded benchmark cases to teach computers how these immune molecules bind to targets. The team will create and test new algorithms, including geometric deep learning approaches, to better predict the shapes and flexible parts of binding regions. They will expand public databases and web tools so other researchers can use the improved models and scores. Although the work is mainly computational, the goal is to guide design of better antibodies and T-cell therapies that can move into lab and clinical testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with conditions treated by antibody or T-cell therapies—such as some cancers, infectious diseases, or autoimmune disorders—could be future beneficiaries or participants in follow-up clinical work.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to immune recognition or those needing immediate medical intervention are unlikely to see direct short-term benefits from this computational project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could speed and improve design of antibody and T-cell therapies and diagnostics that help patients with cancer, infections, and immune diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Related computational tools and benchmarks (including the PI's prior TCR and antibody modeling resources) have shown promise, but accurately predicting immune receptor binding remains challenging and not yet fully validated clinically.
Where this research is happening
COLLEGE PARK, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK — COLLEGE PARK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PIERCE, BRIAN G. — UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
- Study coordinator: PIERCE, BRIAN G.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.