Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment for fibrosis, atherosclerosis, and malignant conditions

Ilan Krause1, Yehuda Shoenfeld

  • 1Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.

We describe our experience with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment in fibrotic conditions and our results and experience with the effect of IVIg therapy to prevent metastases in malignancy. We have delineated the mechanisms by which IVIg can affect atherosclerosis (i.e., effect on MMP-9, antiidiotypes to anti-OxLDL), which led to reduced atherosclerosis in animal models. The effect of IVIg on skin fibrosis was assessed in a murine model of scleroderma-like disease. Collagen expression was decreased in the skin of mice treated with mouse IVIg, associated with decreased type I collagen gene expression, and accompanied by inhibition of transforming growth factor (TGF)beta and interleukin (IL)-4 secretion by splenocytes. We also described a favorable response to IVIg treatment in patients with either systemic sclerosis or myelofibrosis. The administration of IVIg to mice inoculated with melanoma or sarcoma cells induced a statistically significant inhibition of metastatic lung foci and prolongation of survival time. IVIg was found to stimulate the production of IL-12, an anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic cytokine. Positive staining of the cytoplasm, cell membrane, and nuclear membrane of several types of malignant tumors by IVIg was immunohistochemically demonstrated.

Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF01:24

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment01:20

Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
Hemodialysis I: Introduction01:25

Hemodialysis I: Introduction

Hemodialysis (HD) is a medical treatment that artificially removes waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions effectively. In this process, blood is filtered through a semipermeable membrane, allowing for the selective removal of waste while preserving necessary components like blood cells and proteins. Hemodialysis is typically performed in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe kidney...