A neutralizing, human monoclonal antibody against the hepatitis C virus (HCV) E2 envelope glycoprotein, with potential immunomodulatory and antiviral activities against HCV. Upon administration, anti-HCV E2 monoclonal antibody MBL-HCV1 recognizes and binds to the E2 glycoprotein of HCV. This suppresses HCV load and provides passive immunization against HCV. This may prevent both infection by HCV in immunocompromised patients and hepatitis C-related liver disease. HCV is a small, enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family.