BISPECIFIC ANTIGEN-BINDING MOLECULES

The present invention relates to a class of molecules called "antigen forks" that inhibit cell growth. These antigen forks possess separate binding elements for two different cell surface antigens and are believed to heterologously crosslink the antigens by binding to them. The two antigens recognized by an antigen fork differ in at least one cellular functional quality, but are simultaneously expressed on the surface of at least one cell type targeted for killing or growth inhibition. Such targeted cells include tumor cells and virally-infected cells. It is preferred that the antigen fork be designed so that the two antigens it recognizes are seldom or never simultaneously expressed on normal cells. The antigen fork is preferably a bispecific antibody, but may also be constructed from binding elements that are not derived from antibodies. The present invention also relates to a hybrid hybridoma that produces an antigen fork and a method for treating a patient with cancer or a viral infection by administering an antigen fork. It is preferred that a cytotoxic agent such as deferoxamine or cisplatin is sequentially or simultaneously administered to the patient.