Immunoabsorption in an extracorporeal plasma perfusion system: in vitro studies

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Immunology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Immunoglobulin G (IgG) plays a crucial role in autoimmune diseases and multiple myeloma.
• Current methods for IgG removal may have limitations in efficiency and reusability.
• Development of effective and rechargeable systems for targeted IgG removal is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel rechargeable plasma perfusion system for IgG removal.
• To evaluate the efficacy of protein A immobilized on different carriers for IgG capture.
• To detail the procedure for preparing the affinity chromatography materials.

Main Methods:

• Covalent bonding of partially purified protein A to Sepharose 6MB and carboxyl acrylic beads.
• Perfusion of plasma from patients with IgG multiple myeloma and autoimmune diseases through the developed columns.
• Quantification of IgG removal capacity relative to estimated column capacity.

Main Results:

• The acrylic bead-protein A column achieved an average IgG removal of 220% of estimated capacity.
• The Sepharose-protein A column demonstrated a maximum IgG removal of 177% of estimated capacity.
• Varying degrees of IgG removal were observed when perfusing plasma from normal subjects and patients with autoimmune diseases.

Conclusions:

• The rechargeable plasma perfusion system utilizing protein A demonstrates significant IgG removal capacity.
• Immobilization on acrylic beads appears to offer higher IgG removal efficiency compared to Sepharose.
• The system shows promise for therapeutic apheresis in conditions characterized by elevated or pathogenic IgG levels.