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Measuring Receptor/Ligand Interaction at the Single-Bond Level: Experimental and Interpretative Issues

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Abstract

There is increased interest in measuring kinetic rates, lifetimes, and rupture forces of single receptor/ligand bonds. Valuable insights have been obtained from previous experiments attempting such measurements. However, it remains difficult to know with sufficient certainty that single bonds were indeed measured. Using exemplifying data, evidence supporting single-bond observation is examined and caveats in the experimental design and data interpretation are identified. Critical issues preventing definitive proof and disproof of single-bond observation include complex binding schemes, multimeric interactions, clustering, and heterogeneous surfaces. It is concluded that no single criterion is sufficient to ensure that single bonds are actually observed. However, a cumulative body of evidence may provide reasonable confidence. © 2002 Biomedical Engineering Society.

PAC2002: 8715Kg, 8715By, 8716-b

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA

    Mian Long & Scott E. Chesla

  2. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA

    Cheng Zhu

  3. College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, People's Republic of China

    Mian Long

  4. National Microgravity Laboratory, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100080, People's Republic of China

    Mian Long

  5. Immucor, Inc., Norcross, GA

    Scott E. Chesla

  6. INSERM U 387, Laboratoire d'Immunologie, Hopital de Sainte-Marguerite, BP 29, 13274, Marseille Cedex 09, France

    Pierre Bongrand

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Zhu, C., Long, M., Chesla, S.E. et al. Measuring Receptor/Ligand Interaction at the Single-Bond Level: Experimental and Interpretative Issues. Annals of Biomedical Engineering 30, 305–314 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1114/1.1467923

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