porcine anti-lymphocyte globulin

Porcine anti-lymphocyte globulin (p-ALG) is a polyclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG) fraction obtained from the serum of pigs immunized with human T-lymphocytes or thymocytes. It is primarily utilized in the treatment of severe aplastic anemia (SAA), particularly in China, where it serves as a key component of intensive immunosuppressive therapy (IST) alongside cyclosporine A. The drug works by inducing profound T-cell depletion through mechanisms such as complement-mediated lysis, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), and apoptosis. By eliminating the autoreactive T-cells responsible for the destruction of hematopoietic stem cells, p-ALG facilitates bone marrow recovery. Clinical management often involves monitoring for serum sickness, a common hypersensitivity reaction to the foreign porcine proteins, which is typically managed with glucocorticoids.

Other names

porcine anti-thymocyte globulinporcine anti-human T-lymphocyte globulinanti-lymphocyte globulin (porcine)anti-thymocyte globulin (porcine)