Identification of a novel linear epitope in tetanus toxin recognized by a protective monoclonal antibody: Implications for vaccine design

► Monoclonal antibody 5C4 inhibited the binding of tetanus toxin to receptor GT1b. ► The neutralizing activity of monoclonal antibody 5C4 is as high as 73.7 IU/mg. ► 5C4 recognized linear epitope TC(1155-1171), which span from 1155Lys to 1171Val. ► Vaccination of TC(1155-1171) elicited protective immunity in mice.