Dualspezifische

Dualspezifische is a German-language term used to describe biomolecules or interactions that exhibit two distinct specificities. In scientific usage, it broadly covers dual-specificity enzymes, dual-targeting ligands, and engineered constructs designed to bind two substrates, epitopes, or signaling states. The term is commonly encountered in enzymology, pharmacology, and immunology.

Dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) are a well-characterized group of enzymes that can dephosphorylate both phosphotyrosine and phosphoserine/phosphothreonine residues. This dual action allows them to modulate signaling pathways such as the MAP kinase cascade, affecting processes from cell growth to stress responses. The MKP/DUSP family is a leading example.

In therapeutics, dual-specific or bispecific strategies employ molecules engineered to recognize two targets. Examples include bispecific antibodies that recruit immune cells to cancer cells or bind two tumor-associated antigens, as well as dual-variable domain antibodies and other dual-targeting formats. Such constructs aim to improve efficacy and selectivity while limiting collateral effects.

Terminology varies by language and field; English literature typically uses dual-specific or bispecific, while the German usage often renders the concept as dualspezifisch. The underlying idea is the same: activity or binding governed by two distinct specificities.