Award
National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences 1R21TR006240-01
MimicMaker: an integrated platform for identifying relevant mimics of T cell antigens
Recipient
University of Notre Dame
Award Amount
$434,500.00
Ceiling
$434,500.00
Awarded
May 04, 2026
Identifier
1R21TR006240-01
Development of MimicMaker platform using AI and structural modeling to identify molecular mimics of T cell epitopes, addressing immunotherapy safety and autoimmunity.
Description
This project aims to develop a translational platform called MimicMaker that uses data science, AI-driven 3D structural modeling, and deep learning to prospectively identify molecular mimics of T cell epitopes within genetic databases. The platform addresses the challenge of TCR cross-reactivity and molecular mimicry, which are critical in understanding autoimmunity, transplant rejection, and immunotherapy safety. The project will leverage structural immunology, protein biophysics, and immunoinformatics expertise to refine MimicMaker through iterative development and validation using a mouse model of virus-accelerated transplant rejection. Collaborations with industry and academia will facilitate testing, optimization, and eventual commercialization to improve outcomes in oncology, autoimmunity, and transplantation.