The mechanisms
Adacolumn®- the alternative way to reduce the effects of TNF-α
Adacolumn® comprises unique features which reduce the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α by combing “upstream” and “downstream” action mechanisms.
Upstream
Leukocytes are the major cellular source for TNF-α production. Activated leukocytes express Fcγ receptors on the cell surface. The adhesion of leukocytes to the cellulose acetate beads in the Adacolumn® is mediated by the Fcγ receptor, hence the adsorption is specific for Fcγ receptor bearing cells, i.e. activated granulocytes and monocytes, and by adsorbing the activated leukocytes, Adacolumn® reduces the TNFα production in the circulation.
Downstream
It has been shown that the extra-cellular region of the TNF-α receptors will be proteolytically cleaved and shed as soluble forms during the adsorption of the activated leukocytes. As a consequence of the TNF-α receptor shedding process, elevated levels of the soluble forms of the TNF-α receptors can be detected in the circulation in response to Adacolumn® treatment. These soluble TNF-α receptors will neutralise circulating TNF-α in the circulation, thereby exerting a “downstream” reduction of TNF-α.