Computational Design of binders against chytrid effectors

Chytrid fungal infections are responsible for the extinction of over 90 frog species. The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is the causative agent for chytridiomycosis, a deadly skin disease affecting frog populations globally. Despite Bd being one of the most lethal wildlife pathogens identified, there are very few mitigation strategies to stop infection. This project aims to computationally design binders against chytrid fungal effectors to block infection. We will generate AI-designed nanobodies against chytrid effectors and chytrid adhesins to examine their functional importance in chytrid infection.