TARGETED TOXINS Meaning and
Definition
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Targeted toxins are a class of therapeutics that are designed to selectively kill or inhibit specific cells or tissues in the body. Also known as immunotoxins, they consist of two main components: a targeting moiety and a toxin payload.
The targeting moiety, often an antibody or a ligand, specifically binds to a unique surface protein or receptor found on a particular cell type. This selective recognition ensures that the toxin payload is delivered to the intended cells while minimizing off-target effects on healthy cells. Alternatively, the targeting moiety can be engineered to recognize a tumor-associated antigen, enabling the specific targeting of cancer cells.
The toxin payload, typically derived from bacterial or plant origins, possesses potent cytotoxic properties that can lead to cell death. These toxins can interfere with critical cellular processes, such as protein synthesis or DNA replication, leading to the destruction of the target cell. To enhance safety, the toxin can also be modified to reduce its potential systemic toxicity.
Targeted toxins hold great promise in the field of precision medicine, particularly in the treatment of cancer and other diseases with limited therapeutic options. By selectively targeting and eliminating diseased cells while sparing healthy cells, they offer the potential for highly effective and well-tolerated treatments. Ongoing research and development are focused on further improving the specificity, potency, and delivery mechanisms of targeted toxins to optimize their therapeutic benefits.
Common Misspellings for TARGETED TOXINS
- rargeted toxins
- fargeted toxins
- gargeted toxins
- yargeted toxins
- 6argeted toxins
- 5argeted toxins
- tzrgeted toxins
- tsrgeted toxins
- twrgeted toxins
- tqrgeted toxins
- taegeted toxins
- tadgeted toxins
- tafgeted toxins
- tatgeted toxins
- ta5geted toxins
- ta4geted toxins
- tarfeted toxins
- tarveted toxins
- tarbeted toxins
- tarheted toxins
Etymology of TARGETED TOXINS
The etymology of the phrase "Targeted Toxins" can be broken down as follows:
1. Targeted: The word "targeted" originates from the Old French word "target", which referred to a small shield used in archery practice. It later evolved to mean "a goal or aim". In the context of "Targeted Toxins", it indicates the ability to precisely aim or focus the toxins towards a specific target or objective.
2. Toxins: The term "toxins" comes from the Latin word "toxicum", meaning "poison". It refers to harmful substances produced by certain organisms, which can cause damage or diseases when introduced into living organisms.
