[Recombinant antibodies for medical protection against bioterrorism agents: the example of anthrax]

Recombinant antibodies are a highly successful class of therapeutic molecules, they are well adapted for use against bio-weapons (BW) as they act immediately, are often synergistic with other therapeutic molecules, have a long half-life and are well tolerated. Anthrax is regarded at high risk of being used as BW, and its pathogenic properties depend on toxins, which might be neutralized by antibodies. These toxins are made of three different types of sub-units (PA, LF, EF). Several anti-PA have been developed, including an original approach by our team. We have developed an anti-LF, as recommended by experts. Our anti-PA antibody, and to a lesser extend our anti-LF antibody, will be presented here.