HCM network on antibody catalysis
The European Commission, DG XII, has published a report on the work of the research network on antibody catalysis, funded by the Human Capital and Mobility specific RTD programme from 1993 to 1995. The network investigated the possibilities of designing antibodies in a way to generate protein catalysts for a wide range of chemical reactions with industrial and pharmaceutical potential. Antibodies are crucial elements in the defence of humans and other mammals. Their task is to recognize and bind strongly to foreign materials, thereby promoting their complete destruction by other cellular systems. Since research into catalytic antibodies is a costly activity performed in small groups, the formation of an HCM network involving partners throughout Europe proved to be very useful.