A method and conjugate for selectively killing antigen-activated T cells
are disclosed. The conjugate is composed of a substantially uncharged
antisense compound targeted against the human cFLIP protein, and a
reverse TAT (rTAT) polypeptide coupled covalently to the antisense
compound. The rTAT polypeptide is effective to produce selective uptake
of the conjugate into antigen-activated T cells, relative to the uptake
of the conjugate into non-activated T cells. The cFLIP antisense compound
causes activation induced cell death (AICD) of activated lymphocytes. The
method is useful in treating transplantation rejection and autoimmune
conditions.