Carbohydrate–Carbohydrate Recognition between Lewis ^X Glycoconjugates

Abstract

The strong dependence of the NOE on the molecular mobility rendered the weak bond of a homotypical carbohydrate-carbohydrate recognition detectable in a simplified model system. The membrane-bound Le^X trisaccharide 1, which functions as a receptor, transiently binds the dissolved Le^X trisaccharide 2, thus slowing down its rotational diffusion. This kind of molecular recognition plays an important part in cell adhesion.