chai-lab

Predict biomolecular complex structures from FASTA-like inputs to CIF and NPZ outputs.

2|Updated May 12, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/LiorZ/protein-design-skills --skill chai-lab
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: chai-lab
Source: https://github.com/LiorZ/protein-design-skills/tree/main/skills/chai-lab
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/LiorZ/protein-design-skills --skill chai-lab

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires , and includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Enables end-to-end prediction of biomolecular structures for complexes and assemblies using multi-modal models, reducing manual trial-and-error in structure generation.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Multi-modal all-atom structure prediction for protein–protein, protein–ligand, protein–DNA/RNA, glycosylated proteins, and binder validation scenarios.
  • Supports optional MSAs, templates, and restraints to guide interface geometry and confidence scoring.
  • Provides installation, CLI (fold, fold-batch, a3m-to-pqt, citation), and Python API (run_inference, run_folding_on_context) workflows, plus FASTA-like input formats and restraint specifications.
  • Outputs include CIF structures and per-sample NPZ scores for downstream ranking and QC, suitable for batch campaigns.

Quick Start

Provide a FASTA-like input with all chains and run chai-lab fold to produce CIFs, scores, and MSAs outputs in an output directory.

Frequently Asked Questions about chai-lab

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I predict a multi-entity protein complex structure from a FASTA input?

Protein complex structure prediction supports protein–protein, protein–ligand, and protein–DNA/RNA assemblies. It uses multi-modal all-atom models to handle glycosylated proteins and binder-validation workflows, outputting CIF structures with per-sample NPZ scores.

Can I use MSAs and templates to guide protein–ligand complex prediction?

Yes, MSAs and templates are optional inputs that guide interface geometry and confidence scoring in complex prediction. You can also apply restraints to further shape the interfaces and scoring for protein–protein, protein–ligand, and protein–DNA/RNA assemblies.

Does the chai_lab package support batch protein structure prediction?

Yes, the chai_lab package supports batch biomolecular structure prediction through the fold-batch CLI command. This enables batch campaigns by outputting CIF structures and per-sample NPZ scores suitable for downstream ranking and quality control.

How do I run inference for glycosylated protein structure prediction using the Python API?

You can run inference for glycosylated protein structure prediction using the run_inference or run_folding_on_context Python API functions. Provide a FASTA-like input with your glycosylated chains and optional restraints to generate CIF structures and NPZ scores.

What formats are outputted during biomolecular structure prediction for downstream ranking?

Biomolecular structure prediction outputs CIF structure files and per-sample scores in NPZ format. These outputs facilitate downstream ranking and quality control for predicted protein complexes, protein–ligand assemblies, and binder-validation workflows.

What is needed to validate protein binders using structure prediction?

Validating protein binders requires a FASTA-like input of the binder and target, optionally supported by MSAs, templates, and restraints. Running the fold command produces CIF structures and per-sample NPZ scores to assess binder confidence and interface geometry.