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Tech.Sight. Antibody design by man and nature.
1Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. paulw@scripps.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 22, 2002
Summary
Catalytic antibodies are powerful biocatalysts, enabling complex chemical reactions. Recent findings reveal all antibodies possess an intrinsic ability to convert 1O2* into hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), suggesting an ancient role in the immune system.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Catalysis
Background:
- Catalytic antibodies are highly specific and selective biocatalysts.
- Antibody engineering enables catalysis of difficult chemical reactions.
- Recent research suggests a previously unrecognized intrinsic catalytic function of antibodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the intrinsic catalytic activity of antibodies.
- To explore the conversion of 1O2* to H2O2 by antibodies.
- To understand the evolutionary origins of antibody catalysis.
Main Methods:
- Probing the immune repertoire using various techniques.
- Characterizing the catalytic activity of antibodies.
- Investigating the structural basis for antibody-catalyzed reactions.
Main Results:
- Antibodies demonstrate high substrate specificity and selectivity in catalyzing reactions.
- A novel intrinsic catalytic function of antibodies was identified: the conversion of 1O2* into H2O2.
- This catalytic activity appears inherent to the immunoglobulin structure.
Conclusions:
- All antibodies possess a previously unknown catalytic function, converting 1O2* to H2O2.
- This intrinsic catalytic ability suggests a new 'chemical arm' of the immune system.
- The evolution of catalytic antibodies predates their rational design, indicating a long-standing biological role.
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