intravenous human immunoglobulin

Intravenous human immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a therapeutic preparation of polyspecific immunoglobulin G (IgG) derived from large pools of human plasma. In the treatment of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), IVIG acts primarily by neutralizing bacterial superantigens (exotoxins) produced by *Staphylococcus aureus* and *Streptococcus pyogenes*. These superantigens are known to bypass normal antigen processing, leading to massive T-cell activation and a subsequent proinflammatory cytokine storm. IVIG provides specific antibodies that bind to these toxins, preventing their interaction with T-cell receptors and MHC class II molecules. Additionally, IVIG exerts anti-inflammatory effects by neutralizing proinflammatory cytokines and modulating Fc receptor signaling. Hospices Civils de Lyon conducted a Phase 2 pilot study (NCT02219165) to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of high-dose IVIG (2 g/kg) as an adjunctive therapy in pediatric patients suffering from staphylococcal or streptococcal TSS with septic shock.

Brand names

GamunexGamunex-C

Other names

IVIGhuman immunoglobulin-Hospices Civils de Lyon-toxic shock syndromepolyspecific intravenous immunoglobulin Ghuman intravenous immunoglobulin