Compositions and methods for providing antibodies having noncovalent, self-binding properties are disclosed. Such autophilic antibodies can bind cellular receptors to promote apoptosis of target cells and enhance therapeutic efficacies in the treatment of patients with debilitating or life-threatening diseases. Representative diseases targeted by the autophilic antibodies are lymphomas, breast cancers, colon cancers, and melanomas. Autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and other neuro-degenerative conditions, as well as graft or transplant rejection, are among other treatable conditions.