A recombinant anti-ICAM-1 Fab fragment is as effective as the complete IgG antibody in treatment of burns in rabbits

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficiency of an Anti-ICAM-1-Fab fragment in the treatment of burns. Blocking ICAM-1 using murine IgG with the purpose to prevent further damage to the zone of stasis has proven its effectiveness in animal models as well as in humans. The use of murine Antibodies has some disadvantages including allergic reactions and complement activation. For the first time we examined an industry produced Fab-fragment blocking ICAM-1 and compared it to the corresponding IgG antibody. We showed in a standardised rabbit burn model that an Fab-fragment is capable of blocking ICAM-1 and therefore improving the reaction of the skin to trauma in the zone of stasis.