Experimental utility of rabies virus-neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies in post-exposure prophylaxis

Rabies immune globulin (RIG) is essential for post-exposure prophylaxis but is expensive and not widely available. Rabies virus-neutralizing human mon oclonal antibodies (Mabs) were evaluated in vitro and in a Syrian hamster m odel as a potential future alternative. Seven Mabs neutralized representati ve rabies virus variants. However, a European bat lyssavirus was not neutra lized by either Mabs or RIG. Moreover. Duvenhage virus was neutralized by R IG, but not by Mabs, and Lagos bat and Mokola viruses were neutralized by o ne Mab but not by RIG. In hamsters, one Mab resulted in protection that was comparable to human RIG. These results suggest that Mabs may provide a pro mising alternative to RIG. 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.