Multivalency as a Chemical Organization and Action Principle

TLDR

Multivalent interactions, formed by multiple weak noncovalent bonds, enable reversible, cooperative binding that is crucial for biological recognition, adhesion, and signaling. The study demonstrates the scientific and practical realization of multivalency by developing simple artificial and theoretical models, and systematically reviewing scaffold architectures to guide the design of effective multivalent binding systems and polyvalent therapeutics. The authors systematically review scaffold architectures, elucidate underlying effects and control options, and provide design suggestions for effective multivalent binding systems and polyvalent therapeutics.

Abstract

Abstract Multivalent interactions can be applied universally for a targeted strengthening of an interaction between different interfaces or molecules. The binding partners form cooperative, multiple receptor–ligand interactions that are based on individually weak, noncovalent bonds and are thus generally reversible. Hence, multi‐ and polyvalent interactions play a decisive role in biological systems for recognition, adhesion, and signal processes. The scientific and practical realization of this principle will be demonstrated by the development of simple artificial and theoretical models, from natural systems to functional, application‐oriented systems. In a systematic review of scaffold architectures, the underlying effects and control options will be demonstrated, and suggestions will be given for designing effective multivalent binding systems, as well as for polyvalent therapeutics.