Synthetic Human Monoclonal Antibodies toward Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB) Protective against Toxic Shock Syndrome

Background: SEB is a potent superantigen that can cause toxic shock in humans and can be incapacitating and lethal when used as a bioweapon.Results: Therapeutic administration of highly affinity-matured synthetic anti-SEB human monoclonal IgGs protects mice from lethal SEB challenge.Conclusion: Affinity maturation can enhance neutralizing efficacy and lead to successful postexposure therapeutics.Significance: No vaccines or therapeutics are currently available against SEB.