Griffin Clausen (Belcher Lab)

Sampling and Bias in Degenerate Codon Protein Libraries

Ensembles of protein variants are widely used in enzyme engineering and ligand discovery. A common strategy for library generation involves degenerate codons at specific sites within scaffolds or as standalone peptides. But such schemes often create uneven abundances of library members, especially as multiple randomized sites are introduced. To balance the need for complex libraries with practical limits of screening systems, we present tools to address sampling statistics and bias for both library planning and downstream analysis.

Novalia Pishesha (Lodish & Ploegh Labs)

Engineered Erythrocytes Carrying Antigenic Peptides can Protect Against Autoimmune Disease

Currently available therapies for autoimmune diseases are traditional immunosuppressive medications, exposing patients to opportunistic infection and other discomforts. Immunoregulatory modalities, which are able to prophylactically or therapeutically induce antigen-specific tolerance are highly desirable. We employ engineered erythrocytes carrying antigenic peptides to induce specific immunotolerance while maintaining immune competence. We demonstrate that this goal is achievable in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.