Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) in Rheumatologic Diseases: A Review of its Mechanism of Action

Authors: Lee, Martin N.; Butani, Lavjay

Source: Current Rheumatology Reviews, Volume 1, Number 3, November 2005 , pp. 289-293(5)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been used since the 1970's for the treatment of a variety of different rheumatologic and infectious diseases. While the therapeutic efficacy of IVIG has been definitively demonstrated in many different disorders, its mechanism(s) of action have remained poorly explained. This is complicated, in part by the difference in pathophysiology of the many diseases it has been used in the treatment of. Regardless of the types of diseases, understanding why transfusing pooled donor antibodies to unscreened patients fails to elicit a detrimental immunologic response, let alone benefit these patients, needs explanation. This review aims to explain how IVIG works by reviewing the medical literature and the relevant basic immunology involved.

Keywords: IVIG; immunology; rheumatic; mechanism; autoimmunity; immunoglobulin

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157339705774612355

Affiliations: 1: Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2516 Stockton Boulevard, Ticon II, 3rd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.

Publication date: 2005-11-01

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Current Rheumatology Reviews publishes frontier reviews on all the latest advances on rheumatology and its related areas e.g. pharmacology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical care, and therapy. The journal's aim is to publish the highest quality review articles dedicated to clinical research in the field.

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