[Mechanisms of action of intravenous immunoglobulins].

Despite the fact that IVIG is used for more than two decades in the treatment of a number of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, the underlying molecular mechanisms that account for its beneficial effect have not been completely elucidated These mechanisms implicate both the constant (Fc) and the variable region (Fab')2 of the immunoglobulins. The interaction of lVIG with a large number of components of the immune system including Fc receptors, complement molecules, cytokines, B and T lymphocytes, neutrophils and NK cells, may explain at least in part their anti-inflammatory effects.