NCIt related terms : Antithymocyte globulin rabbit ATG;
NCIt definition : A preparation of purified, pasteurized, gamma globulin obtained by the immunization
of rabbits with human thymocytes, with T-cell depleting and immunosuppressive activities.
Upon administration, rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (rATG) specifically recognizes,
modulates and destroys T-lymphocytes. Although the exact mechanism of action by which
rATG causes immunosuppression is not completely understood, it is likely caused by
a combination of T-lymphocyte depletion and reduction in T-cell activation and their
cytotoxic activities. Administering ATG with chemotherapy prior to stem cell transplantation
may reduce the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD).;