Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies with therapeutic potential against Shiga toxin.

Four monoclonal antibodies (T2D1, T3B1, T7B2 and T4C4) were produced and characterized against Sh. dysenteriae type 1. These monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) were shown to be directed against the same or adjacent determinants on the A-subunit of the Shiga toxin. All the anti-Shiga toxin McAbs are IgG1 (kappa) antibodies and have the capacity to neutralize the cytotoxic and neurotoxic effects of the Shiga toxin: the data strongly suggest that both of the activities, associated with the toxin, are due to the same molecule. In addition, the McAbs were found to be highly protective, at low dose, when administered therapeutically to lethally-treated animals.