In:
Clinical Chemistry, Oxford University Press (OUP), Vol. 55, No. 6 ( 2009-06-01), p. 1203-1213
Abstract:
Background: Immunoassays used for routine drug of abuse (DOA) and toxicology screening may be limited by cross-reacting compounds able to bind to the antibodies in a manner similar to the target molecule(s). To date, there has been little systematic investigation using computational tools to predict cross-reactive compounds. Methods: Commonly used molecular similarity methods enabled calculation of structural similarity for a wide range of compounds (prescription and over-the-counter medications, illicit drugs, and clinically significant metabolites) to the target molecules of DOA/toxicology screening assays. We used various molecular descriptors (MDL public keys, functional class fingerprints, and pharmacophore fingerprints) and the Tanimoto similarity coefficient. These data were then compared with cross-reactivity data in the package inserts of immunoassays marketed for in vitro diagnostic use. Previously untested compounds that were predicted to have a high probability of cross-reactivity were tested. Results: Molecular similarity calculated using MDL public keys and the Tanimoto similarity coefficient showed a strong and statistically significant separation between cross-reactive and non–cross-reactive compounds. This result was validated experimentally by discovery of additional cross-reactive compounds based on computational predictions. Conclusions: The computational methods employed are amenable toward rapid screening of databases of drugs, metabolites, and endogenous molecules and may be useful for identifying cross-reactive molecules that would be otherwise unsuspected. These methods may also have value in focusing cross-reactivity testing on compounds with high similarity to the target molecule(s) and limiting testing of compounds with low similarity and very low probability of cross-reacting with the assay.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0009-9147
,
1530-8561
DOI:
10.1373/clinchem.2008.118638
Language:
English
Publisher:
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Publication Date:
2009
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