Natural anti-Siglec autoantibodies mediate potential immunoregulatory mechanisms: Implications for the clinical use of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg)

Human intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) contain natural autoantibodies against the inhibitory lectin-receptors Siglec-8 and Siglec-9. These two members of the Siglec family are known to mediate both inhibitory and death signals. Here, we discuss recent findings regarding the cytotoxic effects of natural anti-Siglec autoantibodies on both neutrophils and eosinophils, and present the concept of a novel regulatory mechanism exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties. Consequently, IVIg may amplify this regulatory pathway by increasing the concentration of natural anti-Siglec autoantibodies in blood and tissues. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.