Clinical use of intravenous immunoglobulins

Prophylaxis and treatment with i.v. immunoglobulins must envisage preparati ons from normal or hyperimmunised human donors, animals (horses and rabbits ) as well as monoclonal and genetically and proteomically engineered chimer ic or recombinant antibodies. The latter group of antibody sources from the bioreactor source must be seen in the context of traditional antibody ther apy, including passive immunization, general antibody substitution and prov ision of lost immune regulatory capacities such as downregulation of comple ment activation, attenuation of Fc receptor apparatus as well as anti-idiot ypic potential. Beyond summarizing the present evidence based indications t he present review is an outlook at the doorstep for future possibilities to improve precision of antibody dependent treatments and avoiding side effec ts which formerly compromised widespread use.