Build-a-Cell seminar Michael S. Kay: Adventures in Mirror-Image Biology

Build-a-Cell seminar Michael S. Kay: Adventures in Mirror-Image Biology

🎙 Michael S. Kay 👥 2K 📅 January 5, 2026 ⏱ 61 min 👁 164 📄 seminar 🧭 2026-08-16
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

D-peptidesmirror-image phage displayHIV entry inhibitorCPT31peptide therapeutics

Summary

Michael S. Kay presents a seminar on his lab’s work in mirror-image biology, focusing on the development of D-peptide therapeutics. He begins by contrasting small molecules, biologics, and peptides in drug discovery, highlighting the limitations of peptides due to proteolysis and rapid clearance. He introduces D-peptides, which are composed of D-amino acids and are resistant to proteases and immune recognition. The main technique discussed is mirror-image phage display, which uses the symmetry between L- and D-peptides to select D-peptide binders against chemically synthesized D-targets. Kay details the application of this approach to HIV, developing a D-peptide inhibitor targeting the conserved hydrophobic pocket in the gp41 N-trimer. Through iterative structure-based design and affinity maturation, they produced the potent inhibitor CPT31, which is trimeric and cholesterol-modified for membrane anchoring. Preclinical studies in macaques showed complete protection against SHIV challenge at low doses. CPT31 has completed Phase 1 clinical trials and is ready for Phase 2. The seminar also touches on the broader goal of synthesizing larger mirror-image proteins and machines, highlighting the potential of mirror-image biology in synthetic biology.

177 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The seminar provides high-value information on a cutting-edge approach to peptide therapeutics, with a strong emphasis on experimental validation. The argumentation is solid, based on structural biology, in vitro potency assays, and in vivo efficacy studies. The speaker clearly explains the rationale behind each design choice, such as the use of PEG spacers and cholesterol anchoring, and presents data that supports the conclusions. The presentation is well-structured, moving from fundamental concepts to specific applications and clinical development.

86 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on the speaker's research in mirror-image biology, including the development of D-peptide therapeutics.

Quality & Reliability

9/10

The seminar presents original research from a leading expert in mirror-image biology, with detailed experimental data, structural evidence, and peer-reviewed publications. The speaker discloses a financial conflict of interest, enhancing transparency. The content is highly technical and specific, indicating a high level of expertise.

Key Moments

Cited Sources

Concurring Sources

Contribution & Novelties

The seminar provides an in-depth look at the development of D-peptide therapeutics, a relatively novel approach in drug discovery. The speaker details the use of mirror-image phage display to overcome the lack of natural D-peptide binders, and the subsequent structure-based optimization to achieve picomolar affinity. The clinical candidate CPT31 shows exceptional breadth and potency against HIV isolates, outperforming broadly neutralizing antibodies. The talk also highlights the potential of mirror-image biology for creating synthetic proteins and machines, contributing to the field of synthetic biology.

Pour aller plus loin :

117 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores across all dimensions, indicating a well-rounded and reliable scientific presentation. The strongest aspects are the quality and quantity of information, with a slightly lower but still high score for technical level, reflecting the advanced nature of the content.

Reliability 9/10