Passive intranasal monoclonal antibody prophylaxis against murine Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

Passive antibody immunoprophylaxis is one method used to protect patients against infection if they are unable to mount an adequate active immune response. Topical application of antibody may be effective against infections at mucosal sites. Using a SCID mouse model of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, we were able to demonstrate protection against an airborne challenge with P. carinii by intranasal administration of antibody. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal antibodies to an epitope shared by mouse and human P. carinii organisms reduced organism numbers by more than 99% under the conditions described. An IgG1 switch variant of one of the IgM monoclonal antibodies was also protective. These experiments provide a model for exploring the utility of this approach in protecting at-risk patients from infection with P. carinii.