Immune Balance

Understanding the photopheresis mechanism of action starts with the theory of immune balance. Healthy immune systems maintain a fine balance between effector cells, which allow the body to fight infections, and tolerogenic cells, which regulate these responses.

Overactive effector immune responses, or insufficient tolerogenic response to autologous or allogeneic antigens can result in immune-mediated diseases. Therapies for restoring immune balance have traditionally targeted the effector arm of the immune system by either eliminating effector cells or suppressing their function.

Extracorporeal photopheresis is believed to bolster the tolerance arm of the immune system, providing a novel therapeutic approach that may have significant activity in the early treatment of disease.