Binding Affinity of Immunomodulators (e.g., Thalidomide) with PD-L1 and CTLA-4 for Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Thu, 24 Apr
|On Going Project
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy by enhancing the immune system's ability to target tumors. This study explores the binding affinity of immunomodulators like thalidomide with key checkpoint proteins—PD-L1 and CTLA-4—to assess their potential in immune checkpoint.
Time & Location
24 Apr 2025, 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
On Going Project
About the event
🧠 Background:
Cancer cells often evade immune detection by exploiting immune checkpoint pathways such as PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4. These proteins suppress T-cell activation, thereby reducing the immune system’s ability to destroy tumor cells. Current therapies use monoclonal antibodies to block these checkpoints, but challenges like high cost, immune-related adverse events, and poor tumor penetration necessitate exploration of small molecule inhibitors.
Thalidomide, originally notorious for teratogenic effects, is now recognized for its immunomodulatory and anti-angiogenic properties, making it a valuable candidate for drug repurposing in cancer immunotherapy.
🎯 Research Objectives:
To evaluate the binding affinity of thalidomide and other related immunomodulators with PD-L1 and CTLA-4 using in silico molecular docking.
To compare the binding interactions of these small molecules with those of standard monoclonal antibodies.