Targeting virus-host protein interactions using AI for antiviral discovery
Interactys-AI
What is Interactys-AI?
INTERACTYS-AI is a technology platform dedicated to the characterization of protein-protein interactions in three dimensions using advanced artificial intelligence. Our ultimate goal is to create an open, high-resolution atlas of interaction networks involved in the infection process of human cells by pathogenic viruses. This platform aims at accelerating the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies, foster collaboration across disciplines, and advance the global knowledge base in structural biology and biomedical research. A main focus of Interactys-AI is the combat against emerging viruses at high-risk to cause pandemics.
Our Key Publications
Moursli Y, Faubert D, Grou C, Coulombe B. Discovery and characterization of a pancreatic β cell subpopulation expressing an unknown surface epitope through single cell proteomics. 2025 bioRxiv. https://lnkd.in/e8GDAs5i
Moursli Y, Poitras C, Coulombe B. Investigating pancreatic β cell membrane epitopes using unbiased cell-based Fab-phage display. bioRxiv, 2025.03.29.645157; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.03.29.645157.
Invitation To Contribute a Paper
VIRUS-HOST PROTEIN INTERACTIONS
Joint Special Issue of the Journals Biomolecules (IF 4.8) and Viruses (IF 3.5)
Guest Editor
Prof. Benoit Coulombe
1. Translational Proteomics Laboratory, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
2. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Protein–protein interactions play essential roles in viral infections. Some viral proteins join together to form protein complexes that exert key roles in the virus life cycle. The RNA polymerase complex is an example. Additionally, some viral proteins interact with host factors during the infection process, usurping the function of these factors in favor of viral functions. Together, these protein–protein interactions are central in the pathophysiology of viral infection. As a consequence, perturbation of these key interactions has the potential to impair virus replication and propagation. Over recent years, a number of molecules, including small chemicals, peptides and antibodies, have been reported to interfere with viral functions by perturbating protein–protein interactions. The molecules showing virus specificity can serve as antiviral agents en route to the discovery of new drugs. This joint Special Issue of the open access journals Viruses (Impact Factor 3,5) and Biomolecules (Impact Factor 4,8) is dedicated to experimental studies or reviews dealing with the use of protein–protein interactions as targets for antiviral drug discovery. This Special Issue also represents a powerful tool in the combat against threatening human viruses.
Manuscript Submission Information on the MDPI Website - https://www.mdpi.com
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
High Pandemic Risk Virus: H5N1
H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian influenza. It is tightly monitored since 2023-2025 because there has been intense circulation among wild and farmed birds, with occasional spillover into humans as cases were reported in Chile, the UK, and the USA. The pandemic risk is HIGH because it is already transmitted to mammals (minks, seals, cattle) and continues to acquire mutations that could facilitate human-to-human transmission. The emergence of a variant that can spread efficiently between humans could be catastrophic. We currently develop and use AI procedures to identify host factors that are targeted by H5N1 proteins as they can lead to antiviral discovery.
HOST SURFACE INTERACTORS (unpublished data)
Functional grouping of predicted HA–host interactors
Group Representative Proteins
1) Immune / Inflammatory ICAM1, IL12RB1, IL15, SLAMF1, KLRB1
2) Surface / Adhesion PROCR, CEACAM19, LY6G6D
3) Growth Factors BMP2, AIMP1, EPO
4) Neural / Synaptic LRFN2, GPR37
5) Signaling Enzymes RPS6KB1, PTPRT
6) Plasma / Structural FGB, HRG, CSF3R
Details will follow.
About Benoit Coulombe
Benoit Coulombe, PhD, is a molecular biologist and biochemist at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) affiliated to the University of Montreal. Pr. Coulombe has published 106 scientific articles so far (totalling nearly 9000 citations) and was among the pioneers in applying AI to protein interactomes (see Jeronimo et al 2007). Several of his publications are dealing with viral mechanisms.
LINKEDIN ACCOUNT:
www.linkedin.com/in/benoit-coulombe-31a22a132
X ACCOUNT:
@BenCoulombePhD