A novel molecular analysis of genes encoding catalytic antibodies

► We analyze the somatic hypermutations of catalytic antibodies displaying an amidase activity by comparison to the closest germline genes using the IMGT tools. ► We demonstrate that the rate of mutation is low but implied important modifications in the physico-chemical properties, particularly when focus on the catalytic residues. ► We analyze the frequencies of the IGKV germline genes used by catalytic antibodies, by comparison with that reported in the IMGT/Gene Frequency. ► A statistical analysis shows that catalytic antibodies are significantly and preferentially expressed by rare genes subgroups.