Glycomimetics versus Multivalent Glycoconjugates for the Design of High Affinity Lectin Ligands

Interacting biomolecules form complex and dynamic information networks that can be understood thanks to thermodynamic and kinetics fundamental principles. The simplest way to represent such an interaction is to consider two biomolecules in dynamic association following Fisher's lock-key concept, the resulting complex being more stable than the two separated biomolecules. The high diversity of lectin structures and functions and the relatively low number of monosaccharidic bricks may, at first, appear contradictory. The discovery of lectins in all living organisms highlights an old evolutionary onset, thus triggering an increasing interest regarding their roles. Even though plant lectins were the first identified, their functions are not really well-understood yet. They are mostly proposed to be involved in defense mechanisms against parasites, fungi, and predators and in nitrogen fixation through the plant-rhizobium symbiosis.