Bond elasticity controls molecular recognition specificity in antibody-antigen binding.
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.
Small Biosystems Lab, Department Física Fonamental, Universitat de Barcelona , C/Martí i Franquès 1, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Anna
A
Alemany
Nuria
N
Sanvicens
Sara
S
de Lorenzo
M-Pilar
MP
Marco
Felix
F
Ritort
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D052898:Optical Tweezers; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000379:methods
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal