From Pauling's abzyme concept to the new era of hydrolytic anti-DNA autoantibodies: a link to rational vaccine design? - A review

Int J Bioinform Res Appl. 2011;7(3):220-38. doi: 10.1504/IJBRA.2011.041735.

Abstract

Specific entities of naturally-occurring DNA hydrolytic/cytotoxic antibodies (abzymes) are linked to autoimmune and lymphoproliferative disorders. Suggested sequence of underlying activities conform to such entities penetrating the living cells, trans-locating to nucleus and recognising specific binding sites within single- or double-stranded DNA. Their origin is unknown since corresponding immunogens are unidentified. These anti-DNA antibodies could be the organism's immune response to microbial attack. Their structure, function and pathogenicity were investigated in wet-lab and via bioinformatics in context of Rational Vaccine Designs. This paper offers a comprehensive critical review on the subject in the light of known and newly proposed concepts.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear*
  • Antibodies, Catalytic
  • Autoantibodies*
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA
  • Vaccines

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear
  • Antibodies, Catalytic
  • Autoantibodies
  • Vaccines
  • DNA