Anti-inflammatory Activity of IgG-Fc

Over 80 different autoimmune disorders have been identified. A common denominator across most of these disorders is the presence of pathogenic autoantibodies. The pathogenic and inflammatory nature of antibodies is well accepted, and over the last three decades, evidence in humans and rodent models has revealed that antibodies can induce anti-inflammatory activities. The discovery of the relationship between immunoglobulin G (IgG) glycovariants and disease activity in autoimmune patients has provided insight into the structural and functional characteristics of IgG associated with its pro- and anti-inflammatory activity. In this chapter, we discuss evidence of the anti-inflammatory nature of IgG and the mechanisms by which this activity is exerted. Current clinical evidence of this anti-inflammatory activity is also discussed.