Immunomodulation of various autoimmune diseases by intravenous immunoglobulin.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is currently an accepted treatment for some autoimmune diseases and it has recently been used empirically in various other autoimmune conditions. This review discusses the role of IVIg in autoimmunity, mainly in systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic vasculitis. Clinical experience with IVIg, as well as its mechanisms of action with special emphasis on modulation of the idiotypic network, are also presented.
Sherer
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Y
Department of Medicine B and the Research Unit of Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel.
Levy
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Y
Fabrizzi
F
F
Shoenfeld
Y
Y