Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play a pivotal role in many dynamic biological processes. Since the dysregulation of PPIs often affects the onset and the progression of several diseases, targeting PPIs is a challenging task when attempting to convert drug-like small molecules to therapeutics. Therefore, the identification of novel PPI modulators requires an attractive strategy to develop new therapeutics for complex diseases (e.g., cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders). To succeed in this field, drug discovery efforts should integrate multiple disciplines and make use of state-of-the-art tools, including biophysical approaches such as Fragment-Based Lead Discovery (FBLD), tethering, crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR).

To date, targeting the modulation of PPIs by drug-like small-molecules is an important strategy that may lead to successful therapies for several diseases. Despite considerable research efforts, only a few drugs in clinical use are PPI modulators. In order to facilitate an increase in the number of PPI modulators from a basic research and drug discovery perspective, a close interaction between contemporary approaches and computational/chemical technologies could mark a turning point in the development of breakthrough in relevant discoveries and solutions in the context of PPIs.

The aim of this Research Topic is to collect timely and recent advances in the field. The Topic Editors welcome submissions of Original Research, Review, Mini Review, and Perspective articles. Areas to be covered may include, but are not limited to:

• Discovery and development of novel drug-like small molecules that target PPIs
• Biological and biophysical technologies to explore PPIs
• In silico strategies to identify PPI modulators
• Application of PPIs modulators to treat complex diseases

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Frontiers in Chemistry

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