Immune response to enzyme replacement therapy in lysosomal storage disorder patients and animal models

The lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) are a group of severe multiple pathology disorders characterized by enzyme deficiencies which cause the lysosomal accumulation of undegraded or partially degraded macromolecules. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has been developed as a therapy for LSD patients. However, immune responses to ERT have been reported in some individuals from LSD animal model and LSD human patient studies. Antibodies can have adverse effects during ERT, which include hypersensitivity/anaphylactic react ions, enzyme inactivation, altered targeting, and increased enzyme turnover. The monitoring of antibody production during replacement therapy is an important consideration for patient management, as high-titer antibodies can affect the safety and efficacy of the therapy. (C) 1999 Academic Press.