A novel neutralizing monoclonal antibody against cell-binding polypeptide of ricin.

One strain of neutralizing monoclonal antibody (MAb) against cell-binding polypeptide of ricin, named 3E1, was generated efficiently. The antibody recognized the linearity epitope of RTB located in a toxin structure domain characterized by Western blotting. The safe period of mice for intraperitoneal injection of 100 microg of antibody was 20 min after intraperitoneal injection of 2 microg of Ricin (10 times LD50). The neutralizing MAb we obtained could be developed into an immunotherapeutic agent to counteract the use of ricin as a terrorist or biological warfare weapon. It might be useful, as well, for antibody-based prophylaxis.