Microbial L-Asparaginase: A Potent Antitumour Enzyme

Abstract

L-asparaginase (LA) can be effectively used for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and tumour cells. Interest in this enzyme arose few decades ago when it was discovered that the antilymphoma activity of the guinea pig serum was due to LA. For pharmacological and clinical tests, microbial sources are best for the bulk production of LA. Initially this drug failed to fall in antineoplastic category due to the immunogenic reactions caused by the foreign protein. With the development of protein engineering, modifications carried out in purified LA either reduced or completely eliminated the immunogenicity of LA in test model. The improved therapeutic activity and decreased immunogenicity of LA can be of immense use as an antineoplastic agent.