Homology Modeling and Virtual Screening Studies of Antigen MLAA-42 Protein: Identification of Novel Drug Candidates against Leukemia—An <i>In Silico</i> Approach
Ihsan A. Shehadi, Huda R. M. Rashdan, Aboubakr H. Abdelmonsef
Abstract
Monocytic leukemia-associated antigen-42 (MLAA-42) is associated with excessive cell division and progression of leukemia. Thus, human MLAA-42 is considered as a promising target for designing of new lead molecules for leukemia treatment. Herein, the 3D model of the target was generated by homology modeling technique. The model was then evaluated using various cheminformatics servers. Moreover, the virtual screening studies were performed to explore the possible binding patterns of ligand molecules to MLAA’s active site pocket. Thirteen ligand molecules from the ChemBank ™ database were identified as they showed good binding affinities, scaffold diversity, and preferential ADME properties which may act as potent drug candidates against leukemia. The study provides the way to identify novel therapeutics with optimal efficacy, targeting MLAA-42.