Computer-designed protein targets immune receptor linked to inflammation at new 'undruggable' site

edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan

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Add as preferred source A newly designed transmembrane peptide (blue) binds to the TLR4 (orange) transmembrane helix, blocking receptor dimerization and reducing LPS-driven NF-κB inflammatory signaling. Credit: Scripps Research To sense their environment and respond accordingly, cells enlist membrane proteins as communication hubs, receiving molecular messages from outside and triggering responses inside. One of these proteins is Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), an immune receptor that plays an essential role in protecting against infections. But overactivity of TLR4 has been linked to inflammatory disorders like sepsis, arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, making it an attractive target for therapies. Despite its appeal, TLR4 is difficult to manipulate precisely, and no FDA-approved drugs specifically block it.