Absence of anti-idiotypic antibodies in IVIG preparations to autoantibodies of rare autoimmune diseases.

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) were found to contain anti-idiotypic antibodies against autoantibodies of various autoimmune diseases. We examined commercial IVIG preparations, from three different manufactures, for the presence of autoantibodies and anti-idiotypic antibodies of two rare autoimmune diseases--primary biliary cirrhosis [anti-pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) antibodies] and Goodpasture's syndrome (anti-NC1 antibodies). We used ELISA studies as well as immunoblotting and anti-PDH enzyme activity for the detection of anti-PDH antibodies. ELISA and immunofluorescence studies were used for the detection of anti-NC1 antibodies. The presence of anti-idiotypic activity against anti-PDH fragments on Sepharose-bound IVIG [F(ab)2]. Anti-anti-NC1 activity was evaluated employing inhibition ELISA and immunofluorescence studies. The commercial IVIG preparations that were examined did not contain anti-PDH or anti-NC1 antibodies nor anti-idiotypic activity against these autoantibodies. We conclude that commercial IVIG may lack anti-idiotypic activity against rare autoantibodies.