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Updated: Jan 25, 2026

Measurement of Heme Synthesis Levels in Mammalian Cells
Published on: July 9, 2015
Anti-inflammatory activity of intravenous immunoglobulin through scavenging of heme
Marie Wiatr1, Nicolas S Merle1, Idris Boudhabhay1
1Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM UMRS1138, Sorbonne Université, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, F-75006, Paris, France.
Therapeutic intravenous immunoglobulin preparations (IVIg) are used for treatment of wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Versatile mechanisms have been reported to contribute to the immunomodulatory effects of IVIg. Here we demonstrate that IVIg has a strong potential to inhibit pro-inflammatory effect of extracellular heme. Indeed, the presence of immunoglobulins reduced the potential of heme to activate the complement system on the surface of human endothelial cells. Since extracellular heme is considered as one of the principal pathogenic factors in hemolytic disorders, its therapeutic scavenging by IVIg may have significant clinical repercussions.
Therapeutic intravenous immunoglobulin preparations (IVIg) are used for treatment of wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Versatile mechanisms have been reported to contribute to the immunomodulatory effects of IVIg. Here we demonstrate that IVIg has a strong potential to inhibit pro-inflammatory effect of extracellular heme. Indeed, the presence of immunoglobulins reduced the potential of heme to activate the complement system on the surface of human endothelial cells. Since extracellular heme is considered as one of the principal pathogenic factors in hemolytic disorders, its therapeutic scavenging by IVIg may have significant clinical repercussions.
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