Human renin inhibitors.

facilitating distinction among the different types of aspartic proteinases. Thus, while considerable progress has been made in elucidating the structure, activity and importance (biological and commercial) of the aspartic proteinases, much remains to be learned about the distinctions in molecular architecture and how these are reflected in the functions of the various enzymes. Inhibitors (naturally occurring and synthetic) have permitted detailed biochemical and crystallographic investigations to be made but an understanding of the selectivity of such inhibitors may be of just as much importance for the design and synthesis of specific inhibitors for use therapeutically in controlling individual aspartic proteinases (e.g. renin). These and other aspects will be discussed in the articles which follow this introductory review.