Ligand-protein recognition studies as determined by nuclear relaxation analysis

The ligand-macromolecule interaction is analysed in terms of selective (R-1 (SE)) and non-selective (R-1(NS)) spin-lattice relaxation rates, considerin g the contribution arising from all possible specific and non-specific rece ptor sites. A linear relation between Delta R-1(SE) and macromolecule conce ntration is demonstrated to exist under any coordination conditions. The sl ope of the straight Line obtained is defined as the 'affinity index' which is proposed as a general criterion for assessing the total ability of a lig and to interact with a macromolecule. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All ri ghts reserved.