Part I 



Antigens as Biocatalysts 



IN THE introductory part of this study the concept formulated as a 

 working hypothesis attributed to antigens (bacteria, toxins and 

 proteins) properties similar to those of biocatalysts. Among these 

 properties the possible catalytic role of antigens in the formation of 

 antibodies will be discussed more fully. A clear understanding of this 

 aspect of antigens may yield additional information about immune 

 processes, as well as the possible role the bacterial antigens might play 

 in the biology of bacteria. 



The most outstanding property of antigens is, by definition, the 

 stimulation of the formation of antibodies. Although the reactions 

 between antigens and their specific antibodies have been extensively 

 studied, the role of antigens in the formation of antibodies has not 

 yet been clearly defined. Certain factors and conditions contributing 

 to the production of antibodies are likewise well knowm, but these 

 scattered facts have not been evaluated and integrated. The present 

 treatise is an attempt in this direction. 



To determine the conditions which control the formation of a new 

 chemical entity, we must first establish what class of known sub- 

 stances this new entity belongs to. This is achieved by a detailed 

 study of its chemical and physical properties in reference to known 

 substances. With respect to antibody, information concerning the site 

 of its formation, as well as its relationship to a knov^oi class of com- 

 pounds wdll assist us further in determining the type of reactions, or 

 chemical influences which might be responsible for its production. 

 A review of the literature on antigens and antibodies from this view- 

 point may therefore yield valuable information. 



A. THE FORMATION AND PROPERTIES OF ANTIBODIES 



With the exception of iso-antibodies (natural hemagglutinins) the 

 tissues and the blood of a normal animal theoretically are believed to 



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