AI-ACCELERATED DRUG DISCOVERY
Available from Reaxense
This protein is integrated into the Receptor.AI ecosystem as a prospective target with high therapeutic potential. We performed a comprehensive characterization of Caspase-8 including:
1. LLM-powered literature research
Our custom-tailored LLM extracted and formalized all relevant information about the protein from a large set of structured and unstructured data sources and stored it in the form of a Knowledge Graph. This comprehensive analysis allowed us to gain insight into Caspase-8 therapeutic significance, existing small molecule ligands, relevant off-targets, and protein-protein interactions.
Fig. 1. Preliminary target research workflow
2. AI-Driven Conformational Ensemble Generation
Starting from the initial protein structure, we employed advanced AI algorithms to predict alternative functional states of Caspase-8, including large-scale conformational changes along "soft" collective coordinates. Through molecular simulations with AI-enhanced sampling and trajectory clustering, we explored the broad conformational space of the protein and identified its representative structures. Utilizing diffusion-based AI models and active learning AutoML, we generated a statistically robust ensemble of equilibrium protein conformations that capture the receptor's full dynamic behavior, providing a robust foundation for accurate structure-based drug design.
Fig. 2. AI-powered molecular dynamics simulations workflow
3. Binding pockets identification and characterization
We employed the AI-based pocket prediction module to discover orthosteric, allosteric, hidden, and cryptic binding pockets on the protein’s surface. Our technique integrates the LLM-driven literature search and structure-aware ensemble-based pocket detection algorithm that utilizes previously established protein dynamics. Tentative pockets are then subject to AI scoring and ranking with simultaneous detection of false positives. In the final step, the AI model assesses the druggability of each pocket enabling a comprehensive selection of the most promising pockets for further targeting.
Fig. 3. AI-based binding pocket detection workflow
4. AI-Powered Virtual Screening
Our ecosystem is equipped to perform AI-driven virtual screening on Caspase-8. With access to a vast chemical space and cutting-edge AI docking algorithms, we can rapidly and reliably predict the most promising, novel, diverse, potent, and safe small molecule ligands of Caspase-8. This approach allows us to achieve an excellent hit rate and to identify compounds ready for advanced lead discovery and optimization.
Fig. 4. The screening workflow of Receptor.AI
Receptor.AI, in partnership with Reaxense, developed a next-generation technology for on-demand focused library design to enable extensive target exploration.
The focused library for Caspase-8 includes a list of the most effective modulators, each annotated with 38 ADME-Tox and 32 physicochemical and drug-likeness parameters. Furthermore, each compound is shown with its optimal docking poses, affinity scores, and activity scores, offering a detailed summary.
Caspase-8
partner:
Reaxense
upacc:
Q14790
UPID:
CASP8_HUMAN
Alternative names:
Apoptotic cysteine protease; Apoptotic protease Mch-5; CAP4; FADD-homologous ICE/ced-3-like protease; FADD-like ICE; ICE-like apoptotic protease 5; MORT1-associated ced-3 homolog
Alternative UPACC:
Q14790; O14676; Q14791; Q14792; Q14793; Q14794; Q14795; Q14796; Q15780; Q15806; Q53TT5; Q8TDI1; Q8TDI2; Q8TDI3; Q8TDI4; Q8TDI5; Q96T22; Q9C0K4; Q9UQ81
Background:
Caspase-8, known for its roles as apoptotic cysteine protease, is pivotal in programmed cell death, including apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis. It acts as a molecular switch, initiating the cleavage and activation of effector caspases, thereby mediating cell death through various pathways. Its involvement in the extrinsic apoptosis pathway, through the formation of the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC), underscores its critical function in cellular homeostasis.
Therapeutic significance:
Caspase-8 deficiency leads to a disorder resembling autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS), marked by lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and recurrent infections. This highlights the protein's crucial role in immune system regulation and presents it as a target for therapeutic intervention in related immunodeficiency disorders.
