Researchers at the University of Washington’s Institute for Protein Design have engineered a synthetic protein using AI that can “turn off” the action of molecules like interleukin-2 post-administration.
David Baker, senior author of the study and 2024 Nobel Laureate, said, “One way to control a medicine is through dose. We’ve added a second lever by designing molecules that can be switched off rapidly, even after they’ve taken full effect.” The work, demonstrated in human cells and detailed in Nature, could enable more precise control of therapeutics.
The development underscores the region’s leadership in AI-driven protein engineering and its potential to propel Seattle into advanced computational biology and therapeutic innovation.