A novel recombinant immunotoxin with the smallest ribosome-inactivating protein Luffin P1: T-cell cytotoxicity and prolongation of allograft survival.

ABSTRACT: In the creation of stable tolerance to MHC-incompatible allografts, reducing the large mass of donor-reactive cells via apoptosis is often required. Apoptosis induction by immunotoxins targeting surface molecules specifically presented on donor-reactive cytopathic T effector (T(eff)) cells is a promising strategy. Traditionally, the toxin moieties are bacterial exotoxins or plant-derived ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) with large molecular size and strong immunogenicity, hence causing the problems of tissue penetration, host immune reaction and quick clearance. We have identified a novel class of small molecule RIPs (<10 kD) from the seeds of the plant Luffa cylindrica. The smallest member of this family, Luffin P1, has a molecular weight of 5226.8 Da, yet possessing a highly potent

SUBMITTER: Wang R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3823457 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature