IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Conference Recordings For Attendees-First Oral Small-molecule Inhibitors Designed by Generative AI Achieve Biologics-Like Pan-Inhibition of IL-17AA, AF, and FF Dimers

First Oral Small-molecule Inhibitors Designed by Generative AI Achieve Biologics-Like Pan-Inhibition of IL-17AA, AF, and FF Dimers

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Video Summary

The speaker presented work on the first oral small-molecule inhibitors targeting both IL-17A and IL-17F, aiming to combine the efficacy of IL-17 antibodies with the convenience of an oral drug. Their team used AI-driven drug discovery tools to identify cryptic binding pockets, generate novel compounds, and optimize binding with free-energy calculations. They focused on the challenging IL-17F homodimer pocket, achieving about a 200-fold potency improvement in six months. The lead compound showed strong inhibition of both IL-17A and IL-17F in cell-based assays, including activity comparable to known antibodies. A representative compound also demonstrated good bioavailability in preclinical species and dose-dependent inhibition in an in vivo pharmacodynamic model, matching antibody effects at higher doses. The team is now optimizing ADMET properties and plans to advance toward a preclinical candidate.

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Date April 16, 2026 1:30 PM - 1:45 PM

Room 253

Session Therapeutic Modulation of T Cells for Autoimmune Diseases

Speaker Chris Li

Track Therapeutic Approaches to Autoimmunity (THER)

Year 2026

Keywords

IL-17A

IL-17F

small-molecule inhibitors

AI-driven drug discovery

oral bioavailability

April 16, 2026 1:30 PM - 1:45 PM

253

Therapeutic Modulation of T Cells for Autoimmune Diseases

Chris Li

Therapeutic Approaches to Autoimmunity (THER)

2026