Immunotoxin
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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}}