Chromosome aberrations and autoimmunity: Immune-mediated diseases associated with 18p deletion and other chromosomal aberrations

Abstract

Recent advances in genomic methodologies have significantly enhanced our understanding of immune-mediated rheumatic diseases. Specific structural variants (SVs), such as substantial DNA deletions or insertions, including chromosomal aberrations, have been implicated in diseases of immune dysregulation. Regrettably, SVs are frequently overlooked in next-generation sequencing (NGS) targeted-gene panels, whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS). In view of a case of chromosome 18p deletion syndrome, characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia and an autoinflammatory phenotype, we provide a comprehensive review on chromosome aberrations associated with multiple immune-mediated conditions, highlighting the clinical aspects of the various chromosome aberrations associated with immune-mediated diseases. Further investigations and development of functional tests should contribute to elucidate the mechanistic connection between chromosome aberrations and Primary Immune Regulatory Disorders (PIRD), bringing novel perspectives in the field of autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases.