Human polyclonal immunoglobulins for intravenous use and transplantation

Intravenous human polyclonal immunoglobulins G (IVIg) were initially used a s substitutive therapy for primary and secondary immunodeficiencies then fo r various autoimmune diseases. More recently they were proposed in organ tr ansplant recipients as they induce a decrease of the anti-HLA antibodies ti ter in HLA immunized patients. Few retrospective and prospective trials hav e been performed yet, though they clearly show a beneficial effect of IVIg on kidney graft survival. This paper reviews the different potential mechan isms of action of IVIg, their use and potential efficacy in organ transplan t recipients.