A protein, belonging to the class of immunoglobulins, designed to bind a specific antigen in order to remove it from the body. They are synthesised exclusively by B-lymphocytes, in millions of forms, each with a different amino acid sequence and a specific binding site for a specific antigen (antigenic determinant or epitope). Presently a world-wide interest exists in catalytic antibodies (abzymes), elicited against transition-state analogues of chemical reactions. Such an approach has permitted the design of immunoglobulins with enzymatic activity.
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