Let's get specific: the relationship between specificity and affinity

Chem Biol. 1995 Oct;2(10):633-8. doi: 10.1016/1074-5521(95)90023-3.

Abstract

The factors that lead to high-affinity binding are a good fit between the surfaces of the two molecules in their ground state and charge complementarity. Exactly the same factors give high specificity for a target. We argue that selection for high-affinity binding automatically leads to highly specific binding. This principle can be used to simplify screening approaches aimed at generating useful drugs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Design
  • Humans
  • Protein Binding
  • Receptors, Drug / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Receptors, Drug