HYDROLYTIC ANTIBODIES - VARIATIONS ON A THEME

Comparison of four independently-derived hydrolytic antibodies reveals striking similarities in their active sites, A common structural moti f appears to be induced when the immune system is challenged with anti gens containing aryl phosphonate and phosphonamidate groups, and key v ariations on this 'theme' must account for the observed differences in catalytic efficacy and mechanism. The limited structural repertoire a ccessed through standard immunization procedures suggests that new app roaches may be needed to produce antibody catalysts with enzyme-like e fficiencies.