Ed,

Possibly you are referring to haptens,
which are what a epitope is called when there is
only one, single, antigenic particle bound on a
protein molecule. Antibodies which we make to hapten-bound
molecules also function as catalytic enzymes,
enabling very fast rates of reaction when they contact their
targets.

Immunoglobulins recognise both haptens and other epitopes
as antigens, so I am sceptical about the company's claim of
making 'haptatens', particularly since 'haptatens' are not
defined biochemically. If they have a way of marking toxins
so that they can be better recognized as Ig targets, that would be
interesting to hear more about.

You might want to review the information on the
complement cascade (Dr. D'Adamo had a link for a
discussion of it through the old Scientific Board)
which is a related immunological defense system.

Best wishes. To attempt learning biochemistry on
your own is remarkable. I must admit you keep me on my
toes, looking up info to sharpen my fuzzy memory.

Joan