Structure-activity relationships of dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors.

Structure-activity relationships of antibacterial dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors are reviewed. A short introduction is followed by a more detailed review of developments since 1980. The design of site directed inhibitors based on data from X-ray crystallographic, NMR spectroscopy and molecular graphic studies is discussed. The development of quantitative structure-activity relations is surveyed from a historical point of view and these are contrasted with more recent alternative approaches. Conclusions are reached regarding possible future developments.