Chimeric Molecule Shows Chemotherapy Potential

The monoclonal antibody allowed the molecule to bind to a specific type of cancer cell, while the exposed viral antigen acted as an attractant for antiviral T cells.

Results published in the June 17, 2004, online edition of the Proceedings of the [U.S.] National Academy of Sciences revealed that the fusion protein efficiently induced tumor cell lysis, regardless of the expression of self peptide-MHC complexes. Moreover, these molecules exhibited very potent antitumor activity in vivo in nude mice bearing pre-established human tumor xenografts.

"Our approach is to use antiviral T cells to kill tumors,” said Dr. Yoram Reiter, professor of biology at the Technion. "Tumor-specific T cells are very rare and not very efficient. On the other hand, the body has very efficient antiviral T cells, because throughout our lives we are exposed to many viruses such as influenza. These cells are very efficient at recognizing cells that do not belong.”




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