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The Sound of Evolution
Denileukin diftitox
Mechanism of action:
Denileukin diftitox is a recombinant fusion protein composed of diphtheria toxin and human interleukin-2 (IL-2). If tumor cells express the IL-2 receptor (IL-2Rα, CD25), this fusion protein binds to the receptor and enters the cell through receptor-mediated endocytosis. Inside the cell, the catalytic domain of diphtheria toxin catalyzes ADP-ribosylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2), thereby inhibiting cellular protein synthesis and causing cell death.
Reference(s):
1. Turturro F et al. (2007). Denileukin diftitox: a biotherapeutic paradigm shift in the treatment of lymphoid-derived disorders. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther.
2. Manoukian G et al. (2009). Denileukin diftitox: a novel immunotoxin. Expert Opin Biol Ther.
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