Stx2-specific human monoclonal antibodies protect mice against lethal infection with Escherichia coli expressing Stx2 variants

Infect Immun. 2003 Jun;71(6):3125-30. doi: 10.1128/IAI.71.6.3125-3130.2003.

Abstract

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains are responsible for causing hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), and systemic administration of Shiga toxin (Stx)-specific human monoclonal antibodies (HuMAbs) is considered a promising approach for prevention or treatment of the disease in children. The goal of the present study was to investigate the ability of Stx2-specific HuMAbs to protect against infections with STEC strains that produce Stx2 variants. Dose-response studies on five HuMAbs, using the mouse toxicity model, revealed that only the three directed against the A subunit were protective against Stx2 variants, and 5C12 was the most effective among the three tested. Two HuMAbs directed against the B subunit, while highly effective against Stx2, were ineffective against Stx2 variants. In a streptomycin-treated mouse model, parenteral administration of 5C12 significantly protected mice up to 48 h after oral bacterial challenge. We conclude that 5C12, reactive against the Stx2 A subunit, is an excellent candidate for immunotherapy against HUS and that antibodies directed against the A subunit of Stx2 have broad-spectrum activity that includes Stx2 variants, compared with those directed against the B subunit.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Escherichia coli Infections / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Immunoblotting
  • Mice
  • Neutralization Tests
  • Protein Subunits
  • Shiga Toxin 2 / immunology*
  • Shiga Toxin 2 / toxicity
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Protein Subunits
  • Shiga Toxin 2