We work out how pathogens interact with their hosts, then design proteins that intervene.
The lab combines structural biology and de novo protein design to study host-pathogen interactions, currently focused on plant immune receptors and targets in neglected tropical disease.
Recent moments
20 Aug 2026
New preprint online!
10 Jul 2026Computational design of de novo integrated domains enables rational control of pathogen effector recognition in plant NLR immune receptors.
Read the preprint →
Congratulations, Greg!
29 Apr 2026Best Poster at the Durham Biosciences Awayday.
Latest updates
Preprint: de novo integrated domains for plant NLR immune receptors
Xi, Bucknell, Watson et al. describe de novo designed binders integrated into the Pikm-1 NLR chassis against the pathogen effector FoSSP17, with crystal structures confirming side-chain accuracy. The work shows binding and signal relay can be separable properties of an integrated domain. Currently under review at PNAS.
Read more on the Publications page →Focused Review published in The Plant Journal
With Gregory Knight and Jonathan Heddle, on SUSS effector families and surface frustration as a route to broad-spectrum resistance.
doi.org/10.1111/tpj.70971 →Bentham Lab opens at Durham University
Adam Bentham joins the Department of Biosciences as Assistant Professor and Co-Director of the Centre for Programmable Biological Matter.