Countering Snake Venom with AI-Designed Proteins

Lethal Snake Venom May Be Countered by New AI-Designed Proteins

Artificial intelligence could take the bite out of snake venom. Using AI, scientists have designed proteins that say no to toxins wielded by cobras and other venomous snakes. It’s a proof-of-concept approach that could one day offer a new treatment for snakebites.

The Challenge of Snake Venom

When snakes like this Mozambique spitting cobra bite, they deliver potent toxins to victims via their venom. Currently, antivenom therapies rely on antibodies extracted from horses or other large animals. However, manufacturing antivenom is costly and time-consuming, so scientists have been searching for alternative methods.

A New Approach with AI

Scientists can quickly and cost-effectively build toxin-targeting proteins from scratch using a generative AI model called RFdiffusion. This tool shares some similarity with the AIs that generate images. Instead of conjuring up a picture of the pope in a puffer jacket, RFdiffusion can concoct protein designs that match a molecule scientists want to target.

Lab-Tested Proteins

Baker’s team had previously trained the model on all known protein structures and their amino acid sequences. Then, they computationally disassembled those shapes. That taught the model how to put together a complete protein from its components, like learning how to build a car engine by taking it apart.

The researchers asked the AI to design proteins that would glom on to venom toxins. They then manufactured the proteins in the lab. Like a magnetic cap covering the tip of a key so it no longer fits in a lock, the synthesized proteins prevented the toxin from docking onto cells.

Success in the Lab

The team injected 20 mice with the custom proteins 15 minutes after a lethal dose of cobra toxins or concurrently with the toxins. Every mouse survived. This was a stark demonstration of the proteins’ powers. Next, the team wants to develop its proteins into an actual product that could test in people.

However, scientists will need to ensure the custom proteins are safe and not binding unexpectedly in human tissues. Jenkins agrees. The new study is just a first step to defanging venoms’ harms.