Immunotoxins are proteins that contain a toxin along with an antibody or growth factor that binds specifically to target cells
Immunotoxins kill target cells through following steps:
(i) binding: immunotoxins bind to the specific receptor antigens on the surface of target cells through antibodies or other ligands;
(ii) endocytosis: immunotoxins are internalized into cells;
(iii) killing target cells: after endocytosis,immunotoxins induce cellular apoptosis
T cell distribution: Only 2-3% in blood circulation, remainder in organs
VG712 vs. alemtuzumab: More efficacious in T cell clearance, especially from skin
VG 712 vs. rATG (standard T cell depletion agent used in kidney transplantations): Significantly more efficacious T cell clearance from lymph nodes
Good safety profile with minimum adverse effect
Rapid onset but short-lived in the body, allowing for quick re-proliferation of new T cells
Depletion specific to T cells, without toxicity to B, NK cells or other immune cells
Efficacy at low dosing regime, allowing for short and flexible treatment cycle
Capable of clearing all T cell subsets in the body, from blood, lymph nodes, and organs