[Polyclonal rabbit antithymocyte globulin (thymoglobulin): immunomodulatory effects and new aspects of its clinical application].

ABSTRACT

Antithymocyte immunoglobulins remain to be one of the most effective immunosuppressants used in transplantology and in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The unique features of the mechanisms of individual antithymocyte globulin preparations should be borne in mind. Due to its polyclonal nature, thymoglobulin provides a wide spectrum of diverse immunomodulatory effects, which is the basis for its wide use in order to reduce the risk for graft rejection and a graft-versus-host reaction and to treat aplastic anemia.