Bond elasticity controls molecular recognition specificity in antibody-antigen binding.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 24074342.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1021/nl402617f.
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Abstract
Force-spectroscopy experiments make it possible to characterize single ligand-receptor pairs. Here we measure the spectrum of bond strengths and flexibilities in antibody-antigen interactions using optical tweezers. We characterize the mechanical evolution of polyclonal antibodies generated under infection and the ability of a monoclonal antibody to cross-react against different antigens. Our results suggest that bond flexibility plays a major role in remodeling antibody-antigen bonds in order to improve recognition during the maturation of the humoral immune system.
Medical subject headings
- Antigen-Antibody Reactions