Published in:
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 20 (2009) 3, Seite 261-265
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1111/j.1399-3038.2008.00789.x
ISSN:
0905-6157;
1399-3038
Origination:
Footnote:
Description:
Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), a multifunctional, immunosuppressive cytokine, is shown to be present in substantial amounts in commercially available intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) preparations. To assess whether TGF‐β isoforms are changed in the plasma of paediatric patients with childhood autoimmune diseases after IVIG infusion, 17 patients who received over a period of 12 months overall 56 IVIG infusions (Endobulin) were enrolled in a study. High levels of TGF‐β1 (16.95 ± 8.16 ng/ml) as well as TGF‐β2 (62.71 ± 9.50 ng/ml) were detected in the used 56 IVIG probes. TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 plasma concentrations were measured prior and 120 min after IVIG infusions by specific TGF‐β ELISA. Interestingly, significant increased TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 plasma levels were found in patients after treatment with IVIG. This data suggest that a TGF‐β‐mediated mechanism of action may accompany other molecular effects of IVIG therapy. The amount of the potent anti‐inflammatory TGF‐β isoforms within the IVIG preparations may exert a differentiated view regarding the manifold indications of IVIG therapy.