
Catalytic antibodies
Catalytic antibodies, also known as "abzymes," are specialized proteins produced by the immune system that can both recognize specific molecules and accelerate chemical reactions involving them. Unlike typical antibodies that simply bind to their target, catalytic antibodies can perform reactions similar to enzymes, turning substances into different forms more quickly and efficiently. They are of interest in medicine and research because they can potentially target and modify harmful molecules or pathogens directly, offering innovative approaches to treatment and diagnostics.