Similarities and disparities between core-specific and O-side-chain-specific antilipopolysaccharide monoclonal antibodies in models of endotoxemia and bacteremia in mice

We have previously described cross-reactive antilipopolysaccharide (anti-LPS), or anti-endotoxin, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) which provide cross-protection in several systems of endotoxin bioactivity. The protective effects of the murine cross-reactive MAb WN1 222-5 (immunoglobulin G2a(kappa) [IgG/2a(kappa)]) and of its chimerized version, SDZ 219-800 [human IgG1(kappa)], have now been evaluated in lethality models against LPS from three different serotypes and in bacterial infection models. We confirmed the protective activity of the two MAbs in D-galactosamine-sensitized mice challenged with LPS of other E. coli serotypes (O18, O127, and O111). The protective effect correlated with the suppression of tumor necrosis factor formation. Furthermore, WN1 222-5 enhanced bacterial clearance of intravenously administered E. coli O111 bacteria, thus protecting mice from death. However, the MAbs were unable to provide protection in a peritonitis model (intraperitoneal inoculation). Our study, therefore, shows that LPS cross-reactive antibodies are capable of mediating cross-protection against LPS and bacteria but that the selected models have a clear influence on the results.