1. Academic Validation
  2. The use of alpha-fetoprotein for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer

The use of alpha-fetoprotein for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer

  • Ther Deliv. 2018 Jan;9(1):37-46. doi: 10.4155/tde-2017-0073.
Vladimir N Pak 1
Affiliations

Affiliation

  • 1 Freelance Researcher, Toronto, Canada.
Abstract

Alpha-fetoprotein is a shuttle protein that delivers nutrients through receptor-mediated endocytosis to embryotic cells. In adults, alpha-fetoprotein can shuttle drugs into alpha-fetoprotein receptor-positive myeloid-derived suppressor, regenerating and also Cancer cells. Drugs with high-binding affinity to alpha-fetoprotein can activate or deplete targeted cells. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells activation leads to immune suppression that can be used for treating autoimmune diseases. On the other hand, toxins delivered by alpha-fetoprotein can damage myeloid-derived suppressor cells and consequently unleash innate and adaptive immunity to destroy Cancer cells. Innate immunity natural killers reduce Cancer Stem Cells and metastases. The new alpha-fetoprotein drug noncovalent complexes for immunotherapy change the local immune balance and has potential in oncology, autoimmune and infectious diseases treatment, inflammation, transplantation, vaccination, etc.

Keywords

alpha-fetoprotein; alpha-fetoprotein receptor; autoimmune diseases; cancer; drugs interaction; immunotherapy; inflammation; myeloid-derived suppressor cells; nanocontainer.

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