Monoclonal antibodies to T-2 toxin. In vitro neutralization of protein synthesis inhibition and protection of rats against lethal toxemia.

A murine monoclonal antibody (15H6) against the trichothecene mycotoxin T-2 was capable of neutralizing the in vitro protein synthesis inhibitory effect of T-2 toxin in human B lymphoblastoid cultures. It was further shown that 15H6 given to rats (250 mg/kg) 30 min before or 15 min after a lethal dose (1 mg/kg) of T-2 toxin conferred 100% survival. A lower dose of 15H6 (125 mg/kg), given 15 min after the lethal dose of T-2 toxin, protected 25% of the rats. An increased time to death and 45% survival was seen in rats given the full dose of 15H6 antibody 60 min after lethal toxin. These data are the first demonstration of effective prophylaxis and therapy for T-2 toxemia.