Recombinant immunotoxin targeting mesothelin

摘要

Mesothelin is a differentiation antigen present on the surface of ovarian cancers, mesotheliomas and several other types of human cancers. Because among normal tissues, mesothelin is only present on mesothelial cells, it represents a good target for antibody mediated delivery of cytotoxic agents. The present invention is directed to improved recombinant immunotoxins comprising anti-mesothelin antibodies, including Fv molecules with particularly high affinity for mesothelin, and a Pseudomonas Exotoxin moiety which has been modified to reduce its immunogenicity and protease sensitivity and providing a better cytotoxicity for cells which expresss mesothelin. The RITs are well-suited for the treatment of cancers of the ovary, stomach, squamous cells, mesotheliomas and other malignant cells expressing mesothelin.