anti-c immunoglobulin

Anti-c immunoglobulin is a polyclonal antibody preparation used for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), particularly in patients who are Rh-negative but c-positive. It consists of IgG antibodies directed against the c antigen of the Rh blood group system. When administered, these antibodies bind to the patient's red blood cells, which are then cleared by the spleen's macrophages. This clearance process saturates the Fc receptors on the macrophages, preventing them from destroying the patient's autoantibody-coated platelets, thereby raising the platelet count. This mechanism is known as Fc receptor blockade. While anti-D (Rho(D) immune globulin) is more commonly used for Rh-positive patients, anti-c provides a therapeutic option for Rh-negative individuals who possess the c antigen.

Other names

anti-c IgGRh(c) immune globulinanti-c antibodies