IMMUNOTOXIN Meaning and
Definition
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Immunotoxin is a term used to describe a type of therapeutic agent that combines the properties of an antibody with those of a toxin. An immunotoxin is designed to selectively target and kill specific cells, usually cancer cells, while sparing normal healthy cells.
The term "immunotoxin" can be broken down into two components: "immune," which refers to the immune system's ability to recognize and respond to foreign invaders, and "toxin," which refers to a substance that is poisonous to cells. By combining these two components, immunotoxins exploit the immune system's ability to recognize specific targets and deliver a toxic payload directly to those cells.
Typically, an immunotoxin consists of an antibody that is specific for a particular cell surface molecule, such as a receptor or antigen present on cancer cells. This antibody serves as a targeting agent, guiding the immunotoxin to the desired cells. Attached to the antibody is a toxin component, which can be derived from various sources such as bacteria, plants, or other biological sources. Once the immunotoxin binds to the target cell, the toxin component is internalized and activated, leading to cell death.
The use of immunotoxins in cancer therapy offers several advantages over traditional chemotherapy. Since immunotoxins specifically target cancer cells, they are potentially less toxic to normal cells, reducing side effects. Additionally, immunotoxins can reach and destroy cells that are inaccessible to conventional chemotherapy, such as those within solid tumors or in the bloodstream. However, the development and use of immunotoxins require careful design and evaluation to ensure their safety and efficacy.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for IMMUNOTOXIN
- ummunotoxin
- jmmunotoxin
- kmmunotoxin
- ommunotoxin
- 9mmunotoxin
- 8mmunotoxin
- inmunotoxin
- ikmunotoxin
- ijmunotoxin
- imnunotoxin
- imkunotoxin
- imjunotoxin
- immynotoxin
- immhnotoxin
- immjnotoxin
- imminotoxin
- imm8notoxin
- imm7notoxin
- immubotoxin
- immumotoxin
Etymology of IMMUNOTOXIN
The word "Immunotoxin" combines two root words: "Immuno-" and "toxin".
The term "immuno-" is derived from the Latin word "immunis", meaning "exempt". In the context of immunology, "immuno-" refers to the immune system or immunity.
The word "toxin" originates from the Late Latin word "toxicum", which comes from the Greek word "toxikon pharmakon", meaning "poison for arrows". "Toxin" refers to any harmful substance produced by a living organism, such as bacteria, plants, or animals.
Combining these two roots, the term "immunotoxin" refers to a substance that combines an immune system-specific component (immuno-) with a poisonous or toxic (toxin) component.
