American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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What is the primary function of Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG)?

  1. Induces apoptosis in T-cells

  2. Acts as a polyclonal antibody for immunosuppression

  3. Stimulates CD4+ lymphocytes

  4. Manages cytokine release syndrome

The correct answer is: Acts as a polyclonal antibody for immunosuppression

Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) functions primarily as a polyclonal antibody for immunosuppression. It is derived from the serum of rabbits or horses that have been immunized with human thymocytes. The antibodies in ATG target multiple antigens found on T-cells, leading to a broad depletion of T-lymphocytes. This is particularly useful in transplantation settings, where reducing the number of T-cells can help prevent acute rejection of grafts. By using ATG, clinicians can achieve a state of immunosuppression that helps the body accept transplanted organs by mitigating the immune response that would typically recognize the transplanted tissue as foreign. This capability is essential in preventing transplant rejection and is often part of the preparative regimen before transplantation or during episodes of acute rejection.

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