[IgM enriched immunoglobulins as a therapy for sepsis and autoimmune diseases]

The importance of natural autoreactive antibodies of the immunogtobulin M (IgM) isotype, raised the issue of the innate immune response being immunoregulatory. These antibodies have low affinity and a wide range of specificity, thus acting as protective autoantibodies. Bearing this in mind, many have proposed the therapeutics potential of IgM enriched intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in sepsis and in autoimmune diseases. We will summarize the emerging knowledge of these natural autoreactive IgM antibodies, their role and mechanisms of action in the above mentioned diseases.