Drug-free macromolecular therapeutics: induction of apoptosis by coiled-coil-mediated cross-linking of antigens on the cell surface

A new paradigm was designed for apoptosis induction mediated by the biorecognition of coiled-coil motifs at the Raji B cell surface. The heterodimerization of complementary peptides, one bound to Fab’ antibody fragment, the other as grafts to HPMA copolymer, results in crosslinking of CD20 target antigens, and consequently, initiation of apoptosis.