Therapeutic preparations of pooled normal polyspecific immunoglobulin G for intravenous use (intravenous immunoglobulin, IVIG) have been shown to be effective in the treatment of a number of autoimmune and systemic inflammatory conditions. IVIG prevents the occurrence of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Increasing evidence suggests that IVIG is of benefit in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The present review discusses the immunoregulatory properties and mechanisms of action of IVIG in autoimmune disease.
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