immunotoxin
Toxic targeting molecule
An immunotoxin is a synthetic molecule combining an antibody with a toxic substance, designed to target and kill specific cells.
The antibody portion seeks out particular cell types—typically cancer cells—while the toxin destroys them once bound.
Immunotoxins represent a targeted approach to chemotherapy: The immunotoxin delivered the poison directly to the tumor cells, sparing healthy tissue.
Protein targeting foreign substances
- chimericFancifully unreal, hybrid
- ricinToxic castor compound
- exotoxinPoison bacteria secrete
- single-chainHaving one continuous strand
Signal-receiving molecule
- antigenImmune response inducer
- monoclonal antibodyEngineered protein from cloned cells
- ligandMolecule that binds centrally
- selectivityTendency to choose carefully
affinity · HER2 · internalization · endocytosis · epitope
Medical intervention for malignancy
- leukemiaMalignancy of blood-forming tissues
- lymphomaCancer from immune cells
- melanomaAggressive pigment-cell cancer
- adenocarcinomaGlandular tissue malignancy
glioblastoma · oncology · chemotherapy · immunotherapy · targeted therapy · remission · clinical trial · combination therapy
Harmfulness to living cells
- cell deathCessation of cellular life
- apoptosisProgrammed cell death
- translocationMovement to another place
- enzymaticInvolving biological catalysts
Unintended treatment consequences
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- half-lifePeriod for fifty-percent reduction
- stabilityResistance to displacement
- manufacturingIndustrial product creation
antibody
Protein targeting foreign substances
receptor
Signal-receiving molecule
- antigenImmune response inducer
- monoclonal antibodyEngineered protein from cloned cells
- ligandMolecule that binds centrally
selectivity · affinity · HER2 · internalization · endocytosis · epitope
cancer treatment
Medical intervention for malignancy
- leukemiaMalignancy of blood-forming tissues
- lymphomaCancer from immune cells
- melanomaAggressive pigment-cell cancer
adenocarcinoma · glioblastoma · oncology · chemotherapy · immunotherapy · targeted therapy · remission · clinical trial · combination therapy
cytotoxicity
Harmfulness to living cells
- cell deathCessation of cellular life
- apoptosisProgrammed cell death
- translocationMovement to another place
side effects
Unintended treatment consequences
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- half-lifePeriod for fifty-percent reduction
- stabilityResistance to displacement
immunotoxinharmless
Causing no injury
safe · nontoxic · biocompatible · innocuous · placebo