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Ricin Vaccine Development

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Ricin and Shiga Toxins

Part of the book series: Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology ((CT MICROBIOLOGY,volume 357))

Abstract

In this chapter we discuss vaccines to protect against the highly toxic plant-derived toxin, ricin. Due to its prevalence, ease of use, and stability it has been used in sporadic incidents of espionage. There is also concern that it will be used as an agent of bioterrorism. As a result there has been a great deal of interest in developing a safe vaccine or antidote to protect humans, and in particular soldiers and first responders. Although multiple types of vaccines have been tested, at this time two recombinant vaccines are the leading candidates for the national vaccine stockpile. In terms of passive post-exposure protection, monoclonal neutralizing antibodies that passively protect animals are also under development. These vaccines and antibodies are discussed in the context of the toxicity and structure of ricin.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Cancer Immunobiology Center, Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA

    Joan E. Smallshaw

  2. The Cancer Immunobiology Center, Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA

    Ellen S. Vitetta

Authors
  1. Joan E. Smallshaw
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  2. Ellen S. Vitetta
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ellen S. Vitetta .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Division of Infectious Diseases, NYDOH, Wadsworth Center, New Scotland Ave 120, Albany, 12208, New York, USA

    Nicholas Mantis

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© 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Smallshaw, J.E., Vitetta, E.S. (2011). Ricin Vaccine Development. In: Mantis, N. (eds) Ricin and Shiga Toxins. Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology, vol 357. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/82_2011_156

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