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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
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In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of T, B and Myeloid Cells Suppressive Activity and Humoral Responses from Transplant Recipients
Published on: August 12, 2017
Monitoring anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) in bone marrow recipients
T H Eiermann1, P Lambrecht, A R Zander
1Department of Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Bone Marrow Transplantation
|May 7, 1999
Summary
This study investigated anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) dosing for graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis. Optimal ATG levels provide sustained T cell immunosuppression post-transplant, enhancing safety and cost-effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis requires careful dosing of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG).
- Optimizing ATG dosage can improve treatment safety and cost-effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a rationale for adjusting clinical doses of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG).
- To enhance the safety and cost-effectiveness of GVHD prophylaxis.
Main Methods:
- Serum concentrations of rabbit ATG were measured in 12 patients using ELISA.
- The inhibitory effect of ATG on phytohemagglutinin-induced blastogenesis was assessed.
- Serial dilutions of ATG were used to determine concentration-dependent effects.
Main Results:
- ATG effectively blocked 3H-thymidine incorporation at 10 mg/ml, with effects diminishing at lower concentrations.
- Serum collected post-transplant significantly inhibited phytohemagglutinin response compared to pre-transplant levels.
- While rabbit IgG was detectable long-term, its immunosuppressive effect on normal mononuclear cells lasted up to 4 days post-transplant.
Conclusions:
- A dose of 90 mg/kg body weight ATG-Fresenius prior to marrow transplant ensures sustained T cell immunosuppression.
- Findings support clinical dose adjustments for ATG to optimize GVHD prophylaxis.
