Computer-designed protein blocks immune receptor TLR4 at new site

Researchers created a computationally designed protein that blocks the immune receptor TLR4 at a previously undruggable site. TLR4 overactivity is linked to sepsis, arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, yet no FDA-approved drugs specifically target it.

• The protein was computer-designed to bind TLR4 at a new site
• TLR4 overactivity is linked to sepsis, arthritis and IBD
• No FDA-approved drugs specifically block TLR4 yet