Selected Mechanistic Studies and Future Directions for Thymoglobulin

A murine anti-thymocyte globulin, which was made in rabbits using the same manufacturing protocol used in production of Thymoglobulin (Genzyme Transplant, Cambridge, MA), was used to explore the biology and mechanism of action of Thymoglobulin. These preclinical studies suggest that determining optimal dosing and timing of Thymoglobulin can contribute to maximizing protection against allograft rejection. The murine anti-thymocyte globulin has a demonstrated ability to induce cells in vitro with a T-regulatory phenotype and was also shown to be effective in vivo in protecting mice against acute GVHD and in reversing overt diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice. The mechanistic rationale for Thymoglobulin as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple myeloma, and myelodysplastic syndrome was also explored.