[Mechanisms of action of intravenous immunoglobulins].

Abstract

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) are now used to treat various diseases, including autoimmune diseases, systemic inflammatory diseases, allografts and for replacement therapy in the case of IgG deficiency. Only in some of the indications has the efficacy of this treatment been confirmed in large-scale studies. Also, in many cases the modes of action remain unclear. Principally, the following therapeutic strategies can be differentiated: Replacement treatment, blocking of the effector molecules, influencing of the cellular and humoral limbs of the immune defence system and interaction with cytokines. In certain CNS diseases, displacement of pathological immunoglobulins may be involved. It would be desirable to acquire more detailed knowledge about modes of action with the aim of using IVIG with greater specificity in the future.

• Authors: D Poehlau, T Postert, M Rieks, J Baier, I Nastos, G Amoiridis, S Schimrigk, V Hoffmann, H Przuntek
• Journal: Fortschritte der Medizin (Fortschr Med) Vol. 114 Issue 31 Pg. 420-4 (Nov 10 1996) ISSN: 0015-8178 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Wirkmechanismen intravenöser Immunglobuline.
• PMID: 9036095 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Cytokines
• Receptors, Fc
• Superantigens

Topics

• Acute-Phase Reaction (immunology, therapy)
• Autoimmune Diseases (immunology, therapy)
• Cytokines (physiology)
• Humans
• IgG Deficiency (immunology, therapy)
• Immunization, Passive
• Receptors, Fc (antagonists & inhibitors, immunology)
• Superantigens (immunology)