PASSIVE IMMUNOTHERAPY

the introduction of exogenous antibodies (gamma globulins) to treat disease, for example from an individual with active immunity, or of genetically engineering antibodies. Contrast with active immunization.

The transfer of antibodies from one person to another to help the recipient fight infection. An example of passive immunotherapy is the use of plasma donated by healthy HIV-infected people who have high CD4 counts and high levels of anti-HIV antibodies. The plasma is administered to people with AIDS who have lost CD4 cells and can no longer make their own antibodies. Passive immunotherapy has been used with limited success in treating advanced HIV disease in adults, but it is still sometimes used in HIV-infected children.
See Also: Passive Immunity