Treatment of corneal transplant rejection in humans with anti-interferon-gamma antibodies.
OBJECTIVE
To determine efficacy of anti-human interferon-gamma F(ab')2 (Fabs) in treating corneal transplant rejection after penetrating keratoplasty.


METHODS
Interventional case series.


METHODS
Anti-interferon-gamma Fabs derived from goat antihuman interferon-gamma antibodies were used for instillations in 13 patients (13 eyes) who experienced corneal transplant rejection after penetrating keratoplasty. Fabs were administered in one or three treatment course(s) as eyedrops given three times daily for 7 to 10 days.


RESULTS
In 10 patients, 2 to 3 days after start of one treatment course, transplant transparency improved, and edema decreased. At the end of week 1, the transplant became almost fully transparent, and eye inflammation disappeared. Visual acuity increased from 0.2 to 0.3. In the other three patients, three treatment courses were needed for comparable improvement. Improvement was maintained through follow-up-an average of 7 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Antihuman interferon-gamma Fabs may be safe and effective in halting corneal transplant rejection after penetrating keratoplasty.
Skurkovich
Simon
S
Advanced Biotherapy Labs, Rockville, Maryland, USA. sskurkovich@erols.com
Kasparov
Alexander
A
Narbut
Nikolai
N
Skurkovich
Boris
B
D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006041:Goats; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000276:immunology*; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000906:Antibodies; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D007371:Interferon-gamma