Molecular recognition, defined as the ability of one molecule to recognize another through weak bonding interactions, is of fundamental importance for disclosing the main physicochemical mechanisms involved in biological processes. Understanding protein-ligand interactions is at the core of molecular recognition and has a fundamental role in many scientific areas.

In particular, the study of drug-target interactions is essential for the discovery and development of new therapeutic molecules. In this context, ligand-binding assays have been developed for targeting protein interactions using a variety of analytical procedures that encompass zonal and frontal bioaffinity, chromatography/ electrophoresis, ligand-fishing experiments, mass spectrometry-based approaches, nuclear magnetic resonance, equilibrium dialysis, ultrafiltration, surface plasma resonance, circular dichroism, x-ray crystallography, microcalorimetry, isothermal
titration calorimetry, and quartz crystal microbalance.

This Research Topic aims to identify the methodological advances and the most recent application examples in the topic area of ligand-target interactions. The theme will be explored in the form of original research articles, critical reviews, perspectives, and mini-reviews from eminent researchers in academia and in the industry.

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.