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Review

 

Immunologic Responses to Therapeutic Biologic Agents

 

RT Purcell, RF Lockey

Division of Allergy/Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida College of Medicine, James A. Haley Veterans’ Administration Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA

J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2008; Vol. 18(5): 335-342

 

 Abstract


Recombinant protein technology and the subsequent development of biologic agents for pharmacotherapy have greatly improved the treatment of a wide variety of diseases in humans. These products are subject to reactions not previously seen in other drug classes.
Additionally, subtle alteration in the manufacture or administration of a biologic agent may cause reactions in subjects who previously tolerated it. This review highlights the unique immunologic reactions that are associated with the more commonly used biologic agents.

Key words: Biologic agents. Neutralizing antibody. Recombinant protein. Monoclonal antibody