Immunotoxin 1048862 180784665 2007-12-29T11:53:17Z Snowmanradio 626138 clean up using [[Project:AutoWikiBrowser|AWB]] An '''immunotoxin''' is a chemical that can cause [[immune system]] malfunction with exposure. When the immune system function is suppressed (immunosuppression) there is an increased susceptibility to infectious diseases and cancers. Polychlorinated-biphenyls (PCB), asbestos and herbicide DDT are known immunosuppressants. Immunotoxins can also cause [[autoimmune disease]], where an overactive immune system attacks the bodies cells. '''Therapeutic immunotoxins''' are compounds that are being developed for cancer and virus treatment. These immunotoxins are [[Chimera (protein)|chimeric protein]] that are linked to a [[toxin]]. The protein is a modified [[antibody]] that targets a specific cell type. When the protein binds to that cell, it is taken in and the toxin kills the cell. ==External links== * {{MeshName|immunotoxins}} ==Companies== * [http://www.immunotox.net Immunotox] [[Category:Immunotoxins| ]] [[Category:Immune system]] {{immunology-stub}}