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The problem of anti‐pig antibodies in pig‐to‐primate xenografting: current and novel methods of depletion and/or suppression of production of anti‐pig antibodies
Author(s) -
Alwayn Ian P. J.,
Basker Murali,
Buhler Leo,
Cooper David K. C.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
xenotransplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.052
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1399-3089
pISSN - 0908-665X
DOI - 10.1034/j.1399-3089.1999.00030.x
Subject(s) - xenotransplantation , antibody , immunoadsorption , monoclonal antibody , immunology , epitope , transplantation , immunotoxin , biology , medicine
The role of antibodies directed against Galα1–3Gal (α‐Gal) epitopes in porcine‐to‐primate xenotransplantation has been widely studied during the past few years. These antibodies (anti‐α‐Gal) have been associated with both hyperacute rejection and acute vascular rejection of vascularized organs. Depletion and (temporary or permanent) suppression of production of anti‐α‐Gal seem to be essential to the long‐term survival of these organs, even when the ultimate aim is accommodation or tolerance. Although more than 95% depletion of anti‐α‐Gal can be achieved by the use of immunoaffinity column technology, to date no regimen has been successful in preventing the return of anti‐α‐Gal from continuing production. In this review, we discuss current and novel methods for achieving depletion or inhibition (i.e. extracorporeal immunoadsorption, anti‐idiotypic antibodies, the intravenous infusion of immunoglobulin or oligosaccharides) and suppression of production (i.e. irradiation, pharmacologic agents, specific monoclonal antibodies, immunotoxins) of anti‐α‐Gal antibodies.