Statistical thermodynamics of the stability of multivalent ligand-receptor complexes

Multivalent ligands can form ligand-receptor complexes that are orders of magnitude more stable than their monovalent counterparts. A theory of this "enhancement effect" based on fundamental principles of statistical thermodynamics is presented. A key finding is a simple analytical express...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physical review letters 2008-05, Vol.100 (17), p.178101-178101, Article 178101
Main Authors: Diestler, D J, Knapp, E W
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Kinetics
Ligands
Models, Chemical
Molecular Conformation
Receptors, Cell Surface - chemistry
Thermodynamics
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Summary:Multivalent ligands can form ligand-receptor complexes that are orders of magnitude more stable than their monovalent counterparts. A theory of this "enhancement effect" based on fundamental principles of statistical thermodynamics is presented. A key finding is a simple analytical expression that provides clear and direct insight into the mechanism by which the enhanced stability of the multivalent ligand-receptor complex can be achieved. The theory explains experimental data on the activation of ion channels in the membranes of cells by polymer-linked divalent ligands.
ISSN:0031-9007
1079-7114
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.178101