Medical Countermeasures against Ricin Intoxication
Authors
Christine Rasetti-Escargueil
Unité des Bactéries Anaérobies et Toxines, Institut Pasteur, 25 Avenue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
Arnaud Avril
Unité Immunopathologies, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
Keywords:
antitoxin, antibodies, ricin, small-molecule inhibitors, medical countermeasures, vaccines
Abstract
Ricin toxin is a disulfide-linked glycoprotein (AB toxin) comprising one enzymatic A chain (RTA) and one cell-binding B chain (RTB) contained in the castor bean, a Ricinus species. Ricin inhibits peptide chain elongation via disruption of the binding between elongation factors and ribosomes, resulting in apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage, in addition to the classically known rRNA damage. Ricin has been used in traditional medicine throughout the world since prehistoric times. Because ricin toxin is highly toxic and can be readily extracted from beans, it could be used as a bioweapon (CDC B-list). Due to its extreme lethality and potential use as a biological weapon, ricin toxin remains a global public health concern requiring specific countermeasures. Currently, no specific treatment for ricin intoxication is available. This review focuses on the drugs under development. In particular, some examples are reviewed to demonstrate the proof of concept of antibody-based therapy. Chemical inhibitors, small proteins, and vaccines can serve as alternatives to antibodies or may be used in combination with antibodies.
Keywords: antitoxin, antibodies, ricin, small-molecule inhibitors, medical countermeasures, vaccines
Click on "Archives" to access the full archive of scientific preprints. You may use the categories and the search functionality to find select preprints you're interested in.
