Related Experiment Videos
IgG subclass antibody production in human serum sickness
L Bielory1, D M Kemeny, D Richards
1Division of Allergy and Immunology, UMDNJ, New Jersey Medical School, Newark 07103-2757.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|March 1, 1990
Summary
In serum sickness (SSX), IgG1 is the main antibody produced against equine-derived antithymocyte globulin (ATG). This IgG1 response correlates with immune complex formation and SSX symptoms in patients with bone marrow failure.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- The specific roles of different immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses in various immunologic disorders remain incompletely understood.
- Immune complex-mediated diseases, such as serum sickness (SSX), can arise following exposure to foreign proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predominant IgG subclass involved in the development of serum sickness (SSX) after treatment with equine-derived antithymocyte globulin (ATG).
- To explore the correlation between specific IgG subclass antibody production, immune complex formation, and SSX symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of IgG subclass antibody responses in patients who developed SSX after receiving ATG for bone marrow failure.
- Quantification of IgG anti-ATG activity and assessment of C1q-containing immune complexes.
Main Results:
- IgG1 was identified as the predominant IgG subclass produced against ATG, accounting for approximately 80% of the total IgG anti-ATG activity.
- A strong correlation was observed between the presence of IgG anti-ATG antibodies, C1q-containing immune complexes, and the manifestation of SSX symptoms.
Conclusions:
- In human serum sickness induced by a heterologous protein like ATG, IgG1 is the primary IgG subclass involved.
- While other antibody isotypes may contribute, the IgG1 response plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of ATG-induced SSX.