Patent ID: 6316418
Filing Date: 2001-11-13
Classification: A01K,A61K,A61P,C07D,C07F,C07H,C07K,C12N,C12P

Abstract:
A method for selectively killing genetically engineered cells in an animal, wherein the cells have been(a) engineered ex vivo by the introduction therein of at least one genetic construct encoding a chimeric protein which comprises:(i) at least one ligand-binding domain which binds to a ligand to form a ligand cross-linked protein complex including the chimeric protein, the ligand having one or more of the following characteristics: the ligand is not a protein, the ligand has a molecular weight less than 5 kD and the ligand is membrane permeable; and(ii) an action domain, which is heterologous with respect to said at least one ligand-binding domain, and which induces apoptosis in the cells following formation of the ligand cross-linked protein complex;(b) selected from non-engineered cells; and(c) introduced into an animal.the method comprising administering to the animal an effective amount of the ligand to induce apoptosis of the genetically engineered cells in the animal.