[Immunotoxins (author's transl)]

Abstract

Immunotoxins are hybrid molecules made up of an antibody and of the toxic subunit of a polypeptidic toxin. They act on the principle that the antibody binds the molecule to a cellular antigen which it specifically recognizes, so that the cytotoxic component only kills those cells that bear the antigen. Cell hybridizations obtained by fusion now produce monoclonal antibodies specific enough to bind the antigens present on certain malignant cells. In vitro experiments have demonstrated the high specific activity of immunotoxins against malignant cells, and this seems to be confirmed by in vivo experiments in mice. Such experimental results suggest that immunotoxins may eventually be used in the treatment of cancer as well as for other pharmacological purposes.