Physical interfaces

Physical interfaces refer to the contact surfaces between biological molecules, most notably protein-protein interaction (PPI) sites, which are essential for the formation of functional complexes and the execution of cellular signaling pathways (Jones & Thornton, 1996, PNAS). These interfaces are characterized by specific physicochemical properties, such as hydrophobicity and shape complementarity, that allow for selective molecular recognition (Arkin et al., 2014, Chemistry & Biology). While historically considered undruggable due to their large, flat surfaces, physical interfaces have become significant therapeutic targets in oncology, immunology, and infectious diseases (Scott et al., 2016, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery). Drugs like Venetoclax demonstrate the clinical success of disrupting these interfaces to induce apoptosis in cancer cells by targeting the BCL-2/Bax interaction (Souers et al., 2013, Nature Medicine). However, Physical interfaces is a broad conceptual category rather than a specific, discrete molecular target, making it an incorrect designation for a single therapeutic entity.

Other names

Protein-protein interfacesMolecular interfacesBinding interfacesPPIsCellular interfaces

Inhibition of protein-protein interaction