The present invention is directed to a cross-reactive antibody that specifically inhibits or blocks mammalian Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-mediated immune cell activation. The invention is further directed to an isolated nucleic acid or vector coding for the variable regions of the heavy and/or light chain of such an antibody. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising such an antibody, or a nucleic acid or vector encoding it. Further provided are methods of use of such compositions in the prevention and/or treatment of inflammatory processes or any other process induced by bacterial infection, trauma, or chronic inflammation, or for the prevention and/or treatment of bacteriaemia or sepsis.
