A new scfv-based recombinant immunotoxin against EPHA2-overexpressing breast cancer cells; High in vitro anti-cancer potency.

In this study, we evaluated the specification of a designed immunotoxin formed by EPHA2-specific scfv linked with PE38KDEL on EPHA2-overexpressing breast cancer cell line. This new scfv-based recombinant immunotoxin was studied in terms of features such as binding potency, cytotoxicity effects, apoptosis induction ability, and internalization. The flow cytometry results showed that the immunotoxin can significantly (approximately 99%) bind to EPHA2-overexpressing breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) in a low concentration (2.5 ng/ul) while cannot significantly bind to the normal cell line (HEK-293) or even EPHA2-very low expressing cell line (MCF-7). Using the MTT assay and Annexin V/Propidium iodide (PI) double staining method by flow cytometry, we observed significant killing and apoptosis induction of the MDA-MB-231 cells at different concentrations. Immunotoxin tracking by confocal microscopy at 2 h and 6 h revealed a massive presence of immunotoxin in the cytoplasm. Finally, given the in vitro results, it seems that this immunotoxin is competent enough to serve as a good candidate for in vivo studies to further explore the possibility of breast cancer treatment. PMID: 31926992 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: European Journal of Pharmacology - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: Eur J Pharmacol Source Type: research