| abstract |
The present invention relates to Shiga toxin A Subunit derived polypeptides and cell targeting molecules comprising amino acid substitutions which equip the polypeptides with 1) de-immunization; 2) reduced, protease-cleavage sensitivity; and/or 3) a heterologous epitope cargo(s) while retaining Shiga toxin function(s), such as, e.g., potent cytotoxicity. Certain polypeptides of the invention exhibit reduced immunogenic potential in mammals and/or are capable of delivering an epitope to an MHC class molecule of a cell in which the polypeptide is present. Certain molecules comprising a polypeptide of the invention are well tolerated by mammals while retaining one or more of the features mentioned above. The Shiga toxin polypeptides of the invention have uses as components of cell-targeting molecules for selectively killing specific cells; for selectively delivering cargos to specific cells, and as therapeutic and/or diagnostic molecules for treating and diagnosing a variety of conditions, including cancers, immune disorders, and microbial infections. |