Recombinant diphtheria toxin derivatives: Perspectives of application

Abstract

Diphtheria toxin (DT) is a unique bacterial protein which consists of three domains with various biological functions. Using genetic engineering for the creation of various recombinant constructions of DT with definite features, it is possible to create unique tools for cellular biology and toxins with efficient and selective action on certain populations of cells. The review highlights the structural and functional aspects of the DT molecule, its fragments and domains, as well as the major areas of application of its recombinant derivatives. In particular, the perspectives for practical use of recombinant DT derivatives are discussed for creating immunobiological preparations, cytotoxins, blockers of the heparin-binding epidermal growth fac-tor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), protein constructions for direct delivery of substances into the cell, and also the possibility to use DT recombinant derivatives for therapy and prevention of a number of diseases. © Pleiades Publishing, Ltd., 2012.