[Engineering of catalytic bioscavengers of organophosphorus compounds].

Catalytic bioscavengers show promise for the prevention and treatment of organophosphate poisoning. Catalytic bioscavengers are enzymes capable of binding and hydrolyzing organophosphorus compounds (OPs). These enzymes could be used to degrade OPs before they reach their biological targets. As such, they could be administered as antidotes before or after exposure, and be used for skin protection and decontamination. Protein engineering can yield enzymes with improved catalytic properties, that are stable during storage and in the bloodstream, and that are immunologically compatible. Large-scale production must be feasible and reasonably inexpensive.