Plugging the explicit σ-holes in molecular docking.

A novel approach in molecular docking was successfully used to reproduce protein-ligand experimental geometries. When dealing with halogenated compounds the correct description of halogen bonds between the ligand and the protein is shown to be essential. Applying a simple molecular mechanistic model for halogen bonds improved the protein-ligand geometries as well as halogen bond features, which makes it a promising tool for future computer-aided drug development.