A recombinant single‐chain antibody fragment that neutralizes toxin II from the venom of the scorpion <i>Androctonus australis hector</i>

Abstract

Monoclonal antibody 4C1 specifically binds to and neutralizes the most potent neurotoxin (AahII) of the scorpion Androctonus australis . The cDNAs encoding the variable regions of this antibody were isolated by PCR‐mediated cloning. A single‐chain Fv gene was engineered and expressed in Escherichia coli . The recombinant protein had neutralizing activity similar to that of the intact antibody in vitro and in vivo. We have thus neutralized the pharmacological and biological properties of a scorpion neurotoxin with a single‐chain Fv, which opens new perspectives for the treatment of envenomizations.