Anti-IgA antibodies in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID): diagnostic workup and therapeutic strategy

Clin Immunol. 2007 Feb;122(2):156-62. doi: 10.1016/j.clim.2006.10.002. Epub 2006 Nov 28.

Abstract

Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) patients who are seropositive for anti-IgA antibodies have a predisposition for anaphylactoid reactions to intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IVIG). Among 88 CVID patients, we identified eight with IgG anti-IgA antibodies (9%). All eight completely lacked IgA (<0.0009 g/l). Five of them had a history of anaphylactoid reactions to IVIG. However, four of these five patients tolerated subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement therapy (SCIG). To identify predisposing factors for anti-IgA antibodies and related anaphylactoid reactions, we analyzed the clinical and immunological phenotype of affected patients. All eight IgG anti-IgA-positive patients lacked IgA(+) B cells in peripheral blood. Moreover, CVID patients with retained class-switched CD27(pos) IgM(neg) IgD(neg) memory B cells (Freiburg classification group II) and total IgA deficiency seem to have an increased risk for developing anti-IgA antibodies. In seven of the eight patients, lymphoproliferation was observed (most prominently nodular lymphatic hyperplasia), two had granulomatous disease, and two showed autoimmune phenomena.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anaphylaxis / immunology
  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / blood*
  • Common Variable Immunodeficiency / diagnosis*
  • Common Variable Immunodeficiency / immunology
  • Common Variable Immunodeficiency / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A / immunology*
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous