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The mechanisms of action of plasma exchange
Author(s) -
Reeves Hollie M.,
Winters Jeffrey L.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/bjh.12629
Subject(s) - immunology , immune system , paraproteins , mechanism of action , plasma cell , medicine , monoclonal antibody , cancer research , monoclonal , biology , antibody , in vitro , genetics
Summary The initial description of therapeutic plasma exchange ( TPE ) in an animal model was published almost 100 years ago. Since that time, this treatment has been applied to a wide variety of diseases but limited research has been published examining the mechanisms of action of TPE . The therapeutic effects of TPE could include the removal of pathological substances from the blood, such as monoclonal paraproteins and autoantibodies, as well as the replacement of deficient plasma components when plasma is used as a replacement fluid. Beyond these potential mechanisms, other possible mechanisms include possible alterations in lymphocyte proliferation and function that could sensitize these cells to immunosuppressant and chemotherapeutic agents and alterations in the immune system including changes in B and T cell numbers and activation, increased T suppressor function, and alteration in T ‐helper cell type 1/2 ( T h1/ T h2) ratio. Much remains unknown about the mechanisms of action of TPE , indicating a need for basic research into this therapy.