Gene Alias
Denileukin diftitox
Background
Denileukin diftitox is a recombinant cytotoxic protein based on a combination of diphtheria toxin fragments and interleukin-2 used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma by targeting the interleukin-2 receptor. Denileukin diftitox binds to the high-affinity IL-2 receptor complex. The IL-2 receptor (Tac) subunit is expressed on activated but not resting lymphocytes. The diphtheria toxin associated with Ontak then selectively kills the IL-2 bearing cells.