In this episode of Immunity by Design, Prof Hashem Koohy is joined by Dr Timothy Jenkins.
The conversation explores how AlphaFold and experimental technologies are transforming antibody discovery, enabling the design of molecules that can neutralise multiple snake venom toxins simultaneously.
Snakebite envenoming remains one of the most neglected global health challenges, causing over 100,000 deaths each year, yet antivenom design has changed little in more than a century. In this episode of Immunity by Design, Dr Timothy Jenkins (head of Centre for Translational Protein Design, at the Technical University of Denmark) joins us to discuss a new paradigm for antibody discovery at the interface of AI and biology.
We explore his team’s recent work (bioRxiv: 2026.01.19.700436), where they develop an integrated pipeline combining phage display, yeast display, deep sequencing, and structure prediction (AlphaFold3) to identify polyspecific nanobodies -- molecules capable of neutralizing multiple snake venom toxins simultaneously. This represents a fundamental shift from traditional approaches, moving from empirical discovery toward more predictive, design-driven strategies.
The conversation unpacks not only how these technologies were brought together, but why this moment -- driven by advances in machine learning and structural biology-- makes such integration possible. We discuss the strengths and limitations of current tools (including AlphaFold), the concept of polyspecificity as a design principle, and how multi-objective optimisation (affinity, solubility) can be achieved without compromising function.
Looking beyond snakebite, we explore how this pipeline could be applied across immunology and biomedicine— from viral escape and pandemic preparedness to cancer and biosecurity, highlighting the importance of democratising AI tools for tackling neglected and resource-limited diseases.
Finally, we reflect on the human side of science: building multidisciplinary teams, fostering positive research culture, and navigating non-linear scientific careers at the interface of disciplines.
