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Updated: May 7, 2026

Determining Binding Affinity (KD) of Radiolabeled Antibodies to Immobilized Antigens
Published on: June 23, 2022
Bond elasticity controls molecular recognition specificity in antibody-antigen binding
Anna Alemany1, Nuria Sanvicens, Sara de Lorenzo
1Small Biosystems Lab, Department Física Fonamental, Universitat de Barcelona , C/Martí i Franquès 1, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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.
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