A framework designed for discovery
Overview
This project integrates structural biology, antibody engineering, and in vivo immunology to develop and validate PD-1 agonist biologics that work through a dimerization-based mechanism. The study moves from molecular design to functional testing, with the goal of producing candidates ready for preclinical development.
Experimental / Computational Methods
Structure-guided design and development of monoclonal antibodies targeting the MPER of PD-1, in vitro binding and functional assays to confirm dimerization and T cell inhibition, and murine autoimmune models to evaluate therapeutic efficacy and tolerability.
Data Sources / Models Used
Structural data on PD-1 transmembrane and MPER domains, in vitro cell-based assays measuring T cell activation and PD-1 dimerization, and murine models of autoimmune disease to assess in vivo immune suppression.
Analytical / Translational Focus
Validation of PD-1 dimerization as a therapeutically actionable mechanism, with a focus on identifying lead antibody candidates that demonstrate robust T cell suppression. Successful candidates would advance toward preclinical development and, ultimately, first-in-human trials for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes.
Powering the science
Xiangpeng Kong, PhD, Colton Consortium Member
Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health
Elliot A. Philips, MD, PhD, Colton Consortium Member
Rheumatology Fellow; Breidenbach Scholar, Judith and Stewart Colton Center for Autoimmunity, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health
Jun Wang, PhD, Colton Consortium Member
Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine / NYU Langone Health