The Immune System
When, Who, Where, and How?
- The Immune system is a system of biological structures and processes within an organism that helps to protect it from foreign viruses and bacteria.
- The blood plasma in our body consists of red blood cells (Erythrocytes) and white blood cells (Leukocytes)
- The plasma cells in the blood produce Y-shaped proteins known as antibodies
- These antibody proteins are the ones that are used in the immune system that identify and neutralize foreign objects
- WHEN: Since IVIG is taken from blood plasma, it has always been around. It was not only until recently, about 30 years ago, that the intravenous product of Immune Globulin was discovered.
- WHO/WHERE: CSL Behring in Pennsylvania has developed and refined its safety system of plasma collection, manufacturing, and distribution. The result is an efficient process designed to achieve high safety and quality standards.
- HOW: Multiple steps that involve filtering the plasma, checking for certain viruses, and a 3-Step Process that includes Virus inactivation by pH4 incubation, depth filtration, and virus filtration.
THE THREE S' OF PRIVIGEN VIDEO
L-PROLINE
http://www.privigen.com/professional/privigen-resources/privigen-characteristics.aspx
- Proline is one of the non-essential amino acids
- Privigen is the first and only IVIg therapy to use proline as its stabilizer. The uses of proline:
- Reduces immunoglobulin G (IgG) aggregation, minimizes fragmentation, and prevents solution discoloration
- Helps restrict the formation of IgG dimers
- Preserves specific antibody function
- Allows 36-month room-temperature storage
Amphiphilic amino acid
Privigen...What is that?
- Privigen, also known as Immune Globulin Intravenous, is a 10% liquid sterile IVIg therapy used for many diseases including primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD).
- It is manufactured from pooled human plasma
- It is the 152nd most popular drug
- It reduces the risk of pathogen transmission.
- Privigen is the first and only IVIg therapy to use the amino acid proline as a stabilizer.
- Cost: $65-75$/g VERY EXPENSIVE!
PRIVIGEN (Immune Globulin)
By: Christopher Haddad
HOW PRIVIGEN WORKS
- The mechanism of how intravenous immunoglobulin (IVig) works involves the expression of Fc receptors regulation of cell growth, and other significant processes.
- Two mechanisms of IVig incude:
- 1. Supplementation of essential antibodies- used to provide protective antibodies to patients with immunodeficiencies to protect against pathogens
- 2. Immunomodulatory effects- a number of events take place include blockage of Fc receptors, anti-inflammatory effects, down-regulation of antibody production, catabolism of pathogenetic autoantibodies, and regulation of apoptosis.
- All these mechanisms are involved beneficial effects of IVig on immuno-diseases.
In solution, the IgG molecules
(in blue) reversibly bind to each other to form dimers.
Proline, a small amphiphilic molecule (in yellow), may shield the hydrophobic domains of IgG molecules from one another and thus interfere with dimer formation.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?...
REFERENCES
What type of amino acid is involved in Privigen and acts as a stabilizer?
The Story of Michelle Fox
- "Antibodies." About.com Biology. N.p., n.d.
- "Immune Deficiency Foundation." Immune Deficiency Foundation. N.p., n.d.
- "Privigen." Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Therapy – Privigen. N.p., n.d.
*BONUS QUESTION*
WHAT ARE THE TWO MECHANISMS THAT PRIVIGEN UNDERGOES?
QUESTION 2
True or False: Immune globulin intravenous is produced outside of the body.
QUESTION 4
WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE COMPANY THAT MANUFACTURES PRIVIGEN?
QUESTION 3
3.True or False: The intravenous version of Immune globulin has been around for about 30 years.
http://primaryimmune.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Number-65-Fall-2010.pdf