Mechanisms of action of intravenous immunoglobulin in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases

Intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG) has been increasingly used in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases in the past 30 years.The effect of IVIG is obvious,but its mechanism of action is unclear.This review discusses the progresses in mechanism of action of IVIG in recent years,which include the F(ab) 2 and Fc receptor-mediated mechanisms of IVIG,modulation of adhesion molecules and cytokine production.We also discuss these mechanisms with respect to the different autoimmune and inflammatory diseases for which they might be relevant. Key words: Intravenous immunoglobulin;  F (ab) 2 receptor;  Fc receptor;  Cytokine;  Adhesion molecule