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A guide to taming a toxin – recombinant immunotoxins constructed from Pseudomonas exotoxin A for the treatment of cancer
Author(s) -
Weldon John E.,
Pastan Ira
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the febs journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.981
H-Index - 204
eISSN - 1742-4658
pISSN - 1742-464X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2011.08182.x
Subject(s) - immunotoxin , pseudomonas exotoxin , recombinant dna , exotoxin , microbiology and biotechnology , toxin , pseudomonas , cancer , medicine , biology , immunology , bacteria , antibody , gene , biochemistry , genetics , monoclonal antibody
Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) is a highly toxic protein secreted by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa . The modular structure and corresponding mechanism of action of PE make it amenable to extensive modifications that can redirect its potent cytotoxicity from disease to a therapeutic function. In combination with a variety of artificial targeting elements, such as receptor ligands and antibody fragments, PE becomes a selective agent for the elimination of specific cell populations. This review summarizes our current understanding of PE, its intoxication pathway, and the ongoing efforts to convert this toxin into a treatment for cancer.