U.S.-France Cooperative Research: Catalytic Antibody Models for Hemeproteins

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9314423 Benkovic This two-year award supports U.S.-France cooperative research in biochemistry between Stephen J. Benkovic and Jean-Pierre Mahy of the University Rene Descartes, Paris, France. The objective of their research is to create catalytic antibodies, similar to those found in hemeproteins, with the ability to induce an immunological response to an appropriate hapten. A hapten is an antigen that is incomplete and cannot by itself cause antibody formation. The U.S. investigator brings to this collaboration expertise in antibody induction, screening and selection of catalysts. He will focus on the mechanistic characterization of antibody promoted reactions and produce a computer model of the antibody structure. This is complemented by the French investigator's expertise in the synthesis, characterization and chemical properties of porphyrin haptens. The research will advance the development of these catalytic antibodies and enhance understanding of the influence of proteins on the catalytic properties of "heme" - the iron component of hemoglobin. ***