Passive immunization using avian egg yolk antibodies in the treatment and prevention of human diseases

Passive immunization, involving administration of antitoxic antibodies obtained against various antigens from a variety of animal species, has been known since 1890 as serum therapy ‒ the effective method for the protection of humans from dangerous pathogens, such as tetanus, diphtheria, botulism, as well as venomous animal bites. Currently, the main animal donors of blood serum antibodies are horses. In 1893, F. Klemperer found that in the sera and egg yolks of chickens immunized with tetanus toxin, there appeared antibodies capable to suppress the venom-induced toxicity. This finding represented a significant breakthrough in medical science, as it provided a relatively simple method for obtaining specific antibodies from chickens. However, this discovery remained unnoticed by the scientists of that time. The growing number of works on chicken yolk antibodies was noted by the 1980s, leading to further development of IgY-technology. By now, the technology allows for the production of avian egg IgY-antibodies not only against infectious agents but also against some pathogen molecules, which expands the range of their potential application for the prevention and therapeutic purposes. The review summarizes the results of the studies of IgY-preparations derived from birds including chickens, quails, ostriches, and ducks. The laboratory and clinical studies have shown that avian IgYs provide high levels of protection against viral and bacterial pathogens, as well as toxins. The use of IgY-technology allows for the rapid production of target antibodies on a large scale, which has particular potential in the face of rapid spread of respiratory infection pandemics. The review aims to identify the advantages of using avian egg yolk IgY antibodies compared to IgG-antibodies derived from mammal sera.