Abstract

The toxicity to cells and animals of type 1 and toxic and non-toxic type 2 Ribosome-Inactivating Proteins (RIP) is discussed in correlation with their catalytic activity, resulting in ribosome inactivation and apoptosis. The symptoms and histopathological lesions induced by RIP to animals and humans is also reviewed.

Keywords: cytotoxicity, toxicity to animals, toxicity to humans, type 1 ribosome-inactivating proteins, toxic type 2 ribosome-inactivating proteins, non-toxic type 2 ribosome-inactivating proteins