CLDN3 and neoplasm: As CPE may trigger a multistep mechanism leading to efficient lysis of mammalian target cells overexpressing claudin-3 and claudin-4 by an increase in membrane permeability resulting in loss of osmotic equilibrium (McClane 1996), CPE-mediated therapy might be a novel, potentially highly effective, strategy for the treatment of USPC refractory to chemotherapy as well as other human tumours overexpressing claudin-3 and/or claudin-4 (Long et al, 2001; Michl et al, 2001).