A method of protecting a subject against an agent that elicits production of
toxic
free radicals, superoxide anions, or heavy metal cations in the subject is disclosed
which entails in vivo administration to the subject of a polynucleotide encoding
a protein that is transiently expressed in said subject. The transiently expressed
protein is capable of neutralizing or eliminating the toxic free radicals, superoxide
anions or heavy metal cations that are elicited by the agent. The method is particularly
useful in protecting cancer patients against the damaging effects of ionizing radiation
and chemotherapeutic drugs. A composition useful in carrying out the method also
is disclosed.
