[Preparation and cytotoxicity of McAb-HSA-MTX conjugates]

In the present study, methotrexate (MTX), was conjugated with a murine monoclonal antibody (79) to human common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen (CALLA), with human serum albumin (HSA) as an intermediary. The highest molar ratio of McAb 79:HSA:MTX in the conjugates was 1:2. 63:117. The conjugates obtained retained both antibody binding and drug activities. Although there was some loss of drug activity in binding to antibody, the toxicity of McAb79-HSA-MTX was entirely specific for the target cell, and the cytotoxicity of McAb79-HSA-MTX against CALLA+ cells was greater than that of control S13 (Anti-human urokinase)-HSA-MTX. The ratio of 79-HSA-MTX cytotoxicity to the target and non-target cells was 66:1, whereas there was no cytotoxicity to target cells when McAb79 was used only. There was no cytotoxic difference between 79-HSA-MTX and S13-HSA-MTX against CALLA- SB cells. These results suggest that the cytotoxicity of 79-HSA-MTX against CALLA leukemia cells is specific and this specificity is mediated by McAb79.