TARGETED PROTECTION FROM CYTOTOXINS

摘要

2082507 9117761 PCTABS00008 A method of targeted rescue of cells from the effect of a chemotherapeutic cytotoxin is disclosed. A cytotoxin directed against diseased cells is administered with an antagonist-conjugate targetable to normal cells. The antagonist-conjugate is made up of an antagonist of the cytotoxin complexed with a cell-specific binding agent which specifically binds to a cellular surface component present on normal, but not diseased cells. The cellular surface component is typically a surface receptor of the cell which mediates endocytosis. The antagonist-conjugate is specifically taken up by normal cells to provide protection from the toxic effects of the cytotoxin. Diseased cells which lack the surface receptor do not take up effective amounts of the antagonist and consequently are unprotected.