Use of deuterium labelling in NMR studies of antibody combining site structure

Abstract

Antibody molecules secreted by B-lymphocytes play a central role in the immune defense systems of higher organisms. The major function of the antibody molecule is to bind specifically to foreign molecules (antigens) and to effect their inactivation and/or removal. Antibody molecules exist in millions of different forms, each with a unique amino acid sequence and combining site structure. Collectively called immunoglobulins (abbreviated as Ig), they form one of the major classes of proteins present in the blood, constituting 20% of the total plasma protein by weight.