Ca. Hanlon et al., Experimental utility of rabies virus-neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies in post-exposure prophylaxis, VACCINE, 19(28-29), 2001, pp. 3834-3842
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.