Immunoglobulins: How Can These Special Proteins Address Diseases and Enhance Immune Responses?

Key Takeaways:

• Immunoglobulins in treating various medical conditions
• Intravenous immunoglobin and autoimmune encephalitis 
• Light on some key innovations

Immunoglobulins are substances that are found in the human body to counteract infections such as “Corynebacterium diphtheria”. They were first discovered by two immunologists, Emil von Behring and Kitasato Shibasaburo in 1890. Initially, these substances were identified as neutralizing substances. Later with continuous research, it was found that immunoglobulins constitute 20% of protein in the human blood. These are the special types of proteins that comprise a carbohydrate group attached to their chain. This group of carbohydrates is scientifically termed glycoproteins. These glycoproteins play an important role in maintaining the immune system of the human body. Presently, immunoglobulins are also termed antibodies. These are massively secreted by plasma cells to fight against diseases caused by toxins or foreign substances.

Types of diseases treated by immunoglobulins

Immunoglobulins are mainly beneficial in treating people with weakened immune systems. They are also helpful in curing diseases caused by infections. Primary immune deficiency diseases such as immune thrombocytopenia, Myositis, Kawasaki disease, and neurological diseases such as myasthenia gravis or multiple sclerosis are some of the major types of diseases that can be treated with immunoglobulins.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is given to humans in such conditions when they are unable to produce sufficient antibodies to fight against germs that cause infections. In the case of autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, these special types of proteins can help the human body raise low red blood cell counts, enabling humans to not feel very tired. When people suffer from primary immunodeficiency disorders, physicians mainly prescribe IVIg along with immunosuppressants to fight against infections caused by foreign bodies. Because of the high efficacy of treating several immune deficiency diseases by IVIg, the primary immune deficiency segment is anticipated to hold the lion’s share by generating a revenue of $5309.64 million during 2022-2032.

When people are diagnosed with myositis, IVIg is given to patients to block their immune systems which leads to the destruction of muscle cells. IVIg therapy can be given to both adults and children through a vein in their arm. It can help them strengthen their immune system to fight against infections and stay healthy. In case of serious infections such as AIDS or hepatitis, blood plasma is tested before it is used for IVIg therapy.

Intravenous immunoglobin in autoimmune encephalitis

Autoimmune encephalitis is a rare condition that affects 1 in 100,000 people. It is a swelling in the brain caused by the immune system's misfunction in the body. As the disease occurs due to an error in the immune system, it can make people feel drowsy and confused and make them exhibit some unnatural behavior, and some can also experience seizures. In some cases, this disease can be cured completely, and, in some cases, it can even cause death or severe disability.

Though a range of treatment options are available to deal with the causes and symptoms of encephalitis, there is no specific way to treat this disease. Presently, healthcare professionals give steroids to control the symptoms of the disease. But if no improvement is found in patients with these steroids, then the clinician gives intravenous immunoglobulin. Some doctors also prefer to give IVIg at the beginning of the treatment, however, they fear the serious side effects of IVIg that can lead to illness. To get more accurate results of using IVIg in treating patients, the research team at the University of Liverpool carried out a study at around 50 hospitals in the UK. With this study, the team aimed to check whether IVIg is more effective than steroids for treating individuals.

How are innovations in monoclonal antibodies transforming healthcare solutions?

The immunoglobin industry is witnessing significant growth which is attributed to the increasing demand for immunoglobin therapies and their applications in treating various medical conditions. Several leading players have come up with beneficial product launches to safeguard the competitive landscape. For instance, ELISHA, a leading provider of immunoassay techniques to detect diseases launched two new monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) binding with hamster IgG. These antibody models can be used for various medical research such as respiratory diseases, immunotherapy research, and infectious diseases.

To wrap up, the ongoing advancements in immunoglobulin purification and manufacturing processes can create wide possibilities across the domain in the future. Additionally, the rising awareness about the efficacy of immunoglobulin therapies will strongly boost the sector in the upcoming years.

To gain detailed insights into the immunoglobulin industry and identify new markets for expansion, get in touch with our esteemed analysts today!

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