MTS-conjugated-antiactive caspase 3 antibodies inhibit actinomycin D-induced apoptosis

Caspase 3 is critically involved in the pathway of apoptosis. We have conjugated a MTS-transport-peptide to monoclonal and polyclonal anti-caspase-3 antibodies to suppress Actinomycin D-induced apoptosis in human lymphoma T cells. The advantage of using transmembrane antibodies compared to conventional apoptosis inhibitors is their specific target recognition in the living cell and their lower toxicity compared to conventional apoptosis inhibitors. We could show that a MTS-transport-peptide modified monoclonal anti-caspase-3 antibody reduces Actinomycin D induced apoptosis, as shown by DNA ladder electrophoresis and cell death ELISA. These results indicate that antibodies have a therapeutic potential to inhibit apoptosis in a variety of diseases.