Polyclonal antithymocyte globulin

Both globulins exert their effect by depletion of circulating lymphocytes either by complement-dependent lysis or by phagocytosis after opsonization. However, antilymphocyte globulin (ALG) and antithymocyte globulin (ATG) are nonhuman polyclonal antibodies. To prevent sensitization application is restricted to a time period of several days only. 

The antithymocyte globulin (ATG) Fresenius S, produced in rabbits, is an example of a polyclonal antibody mixture used in immunosuppressive therapy in combination with other immunosuppressive agents (e.g., cyclosporine, prednisone) after organ transplantation. 

Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG, thymoglobulin) is a polyclonal rabbit antithymocyte globulin that has been used as an immunosuppressive agent in kidney and hver transplant patients. Despite a fairly high safety profile, reported side effects of ATG include hypertension, leucopenia and ARDS [109]. Renal adverse effects are extremely rare only two case reports describe the occurrence of acute renal failure in patients treated with ATG [110, 111]. Cessation of ATG therapy in both cases and plasmapheresis in one case resulted in full recovery. 

Induction therapy with polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has been an important component of inunu-nosupression when the beneficial effect of antilymphocyte globulin (ALG) in the prophylaxis of rejection in renal transplant recipients was demonstrated. Over the past 40 years, several polycolonal antilymphocyte preparations have been used in renal transplantation however, only two preparations are currently FDA approved lymphocyte immune globulin (ATGAM) and antithymocyte globulin (Thymoglobulin). 

France anti-thymocyte globulin antibody Thymo- globuline Thymoglobulin Polyclonal rabbit antithymocyte antibodies Immuno- suppressant... 

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