An
abzyme (from
antibody and
enzyme), also called
catmab (from
catalytic monoclonal antibody), is a
monoclonal antibody[?] with
catalytic activity. Abzymes are usually artificial constructs, but are also found in normal humans (anti-vasoactive intestinal peptide autoantibodies) and in patients with the
autoimmune disease systemic
lupus erythematosus, where they can bind and hydrolize
DNA. Abzymes are a potential tool in
biotechnology, e.g., to perform specific actions on DNA.