Novel bioactive mini-proteins have been engineered by a rational approach,
implying the structural and functional reproduction of protein binding site
s on stable natural protein structures, functioning as scaffolds. Such mole
cules, possessing a well-defined three-dimensional structure and a specific
biological activity, represent new tools in biology, biotechnology, medica
l sciences, and also precious intermediates useful in drug design, facilita
ting the conversion of a protein functional epitope into a classical pharma
ceutical. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.