Lethal factor (LF) is a component of anthrax lethal toxin (LeTx).was approximately one-third that of 3C16C3 (0.63 g/ml) in the in vitro LeTx-neutralization assay. The 5B13B1 antibody, which had the highest neutralizing activity, provided perfect protection against LeTx challenge in an in vivo LeTx neutralization assay using Fisher 344 rats. In addition, the antibody showed pre-and postexposure prophylactic effects in the animal experiments. This is the first report that an MAb binding to domain III of LF has neutralizing activity against LeTx. The 5B13B1 antibody may be useful in prophylaxis against anthrax poisoning.