摘要 |
The present invention features immunoconjugates which comprise therapeutic agents coupled to antibodies that specifically recognize pathogen surface antigens. These immunoconjugates can be used to treat or prevent infectious diseases. Upon administration of an immunoconjugate of the present invention to an infected host, the immunoconjugate binds to a specific antigen on the surface of the targeted pathogen (e.g., virus). As the pathogen enters the host cells, the therapeutic agent(s) in the immunoconjugate destroys the infected host cells (and, preferably, the bound pathogen), thereby preventing the replication and transmission of the pathogen. In one embodiment, the immunoconjugates of the present invention specifically recognize surface/envelope antigens of the following viruses: HIV, HBV, HCV, EBV, influenza virus, and SARS associated coronavirus. |