Eukaryotic expression vectors and immunoconjugates for cancer therapy

Biochemistry (Mosc). 2006 Jun;71(6):597-606. doi: 10.1134/s0006297906060022.

Abstract

This review considers ways to address specificity to therapeutic targeted anticancer agents. These include transcriptional activation of tissue- and tumor-specific promoters in eukaryotic expression vectors and use of antitumor-directed immunoconjugates. The review deals with analysis of strategies used for selection of targeted promoters and examples of antibody fusion proteins exhibiting antitumor activity. A new direction in antitumor treatment pooling together methods of gene therapy and antibody therapy has appeared. This direction is based on the development of vectors encoding secreted forms of immunoconjugates. After vector introduction into a cell, the latter is capable of synthesizing and secreting antibody fusion protein composed of a therapeutic anticancer agent and antibody specifically targeted to cancer cells.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Eukaryotic Cells
  • Gene Expression
  • Gene Targeting
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Genetic Vectors*
  • Humans
  • Immunoconjugates / therapeutic use*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Transduction, Genetic*

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Immunoconjugates
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins