IVIG-mediated effector functions in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a pooled preparation of normal IgG obtained from
several thousand healthy donors. It is widely used in the immunotherapy of a large number
of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The mechanisms of action of IVIG are complex
and, as discussed in this review, experimental and clinical data provide an indicator that the
therapeutic benefit of IVIG therapy is due to several mutually non-exclusive mechanisms
affecting soluble mediators as well as cellular components of the immune system. These …
several thousand healthy donors. It is widely used in the immunotherapy of a large number
of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The mechanisms of action of IVIG are complex
and, as discussed in this review, experimental and clinical data provide an indicator that the
therapeutic benefit of IVIG therapy is due to several mutually non-exclusive mechanisms
affecting soluble mediators as well as cellular components of the immune system. These …
Abstract
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a pooled preparation of normal IgG obtained from several thousand healthy donors. It is widely used in the immunotherapy of a large number of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The mechanisms of action of IVIG are complex and, as discussed in this review, experimental and clinical data provide an indicator that the therapeutic benefit of IVIG therapy is due to several mutually non-exclusive mechanisms affecting soluble mediators as well as cellular components of the immune system. These mechanisms depend on Fc and/or F(ab′)2 fragments. A better understanding of the effector functions of IVIG should help in identification of biomarkers of responses to IVIG in autoimmune patients.
Oxford University Press