Journal of Clinical Immunology最新文献

Purpose: Immunodysregulation, Polyendocrinopathy, Enteropathy, and X-linked (IPEX) syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder caused by mutations in the FOXP3 gene. Patients with IPEX frequently present with severe dermatitis, diabetes, and enteropathy. This study explores the efficacy of Dupilumab (an anti-IL-4Rα monoclonal antibody) in treating persistent, severe dermatitis in an IPEX patient refractory to conventional treatments like sirolimus.

Methods: We conducted a clinical case study of a 2-year-old IPEX patient with refractory dermatitis. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) confirmed the FOXP3 mutation. Skin biopsies were analyzed for inflammatory gene expression by RNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry to characterize inflammatory pathways. Immune cell phenotyping was performed using flow cytometry pre- and post-treatment in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The patient was treated with Dupilumab alongside sirolimus and prednisone. Clinical improvements were evaluated using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score.

Results: Immunohistochemistry revealed elevated IL-13 expression. RNA sequencing of skin samples revealed upregulation of both Th1- and Th2-related genes, suggesting a dual inflammatory phenotype in IPEX dermatitis. The patient exhibited significant clinical improvement after 8 months of sustained Dupilumab therapy, with the EASI decreasing from 24.8 to 0.4. Flow cytometry demonstrated a reduction in Th1 and Th2 cell subsets post-treatment, accompanied by an increase in Treg and Th3 cell populations as well as enhanced expression of immunosuppressive markers such as CTLA-4 and CD39.

Conclusion: Dupilumab appears promising as a therapeutic option for managing refractory dermatitis in IPEX, particularly by attenuating Th1/Th2 inflammation and promoting regulatory responses mediated by Treg and Th3 cells.

Purpose: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is successful in pediatric patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI), but its use in adults is complicated by pre-existing organ damage and increased risk of treatment-related mortality. Ex vivo graft engineering using αβTCR/CD19 depletion has shown promising safety profiles in pediatric IEI, yet evidence in adults is limited. We assessed the feasibility and outcomes of αβTCR/CD19-depleted allo-HSCT in adults with IEI, focusing on engraftment, immune reconstitution, and clinical outcomes.

Methods: We included 9 adults with IEI and 1 with VEXAS (age 21-51). IEIs included CTLA4HI, APDS, DOCK8, ALPS, DADA2, CVID2, and HA20, with Immune Deficiency and Dysregulation Activity (IDDA) scores of 17-92. αβTCR/CD19-depleted allografts from related, unrelated or haplo-identical donors were used after antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and myeloablative conditioning (thiotepa, melphalan, and fludarabine). Post-transplant immunoprophylaxis included mycophenolate mofetil; 4/10 patients received additional transplant-associated immunosuppression.

Results: All patients achieved primary engraftment. One patient with secondary rejection successfully underwent a second allo-HSCT. 5 patients developed grade 2-4 acute GvHD; no chronic GvHD was observed. One patient with GvHD died from COVID-19. All remaining 9 patients were successfully tapered off immunosuppression and showed improved IDDA scores. At 6 months NK, γδT, B and CD8 + T cells normalized; CD4 + numbers reached 149 cells/µl at 1 year. Most patients were successfully vaccinated and could stop immunoglobulin substitution.

Conclusion: In conclusion, ex vivo graft engineering using αβTCR/CD19 depletion was feasible in adults with IEI. Clinical outcomes are encouraging, but need to be confirmed in larger studies.

Purpose: 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome has been primarily described as a disorder of T cell production secondary to thymic hypoplasia. However, there is great complexity in the clinical picture with infections, autoimmunity, and inflammation occurring. Emerging evidence suggests that qualitative T cell dysfunction occurs, and the goal of this study was to utilize single-cell RNA-seq to better define altered gene expression patterns to inform on the mechanisms associated with recurrent infections.

Methods: We utilized single-cell RNA-seq to define distinct populations in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (N = 13) and controls (N = 11) as well as within a subcohort of patients with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome and recurrent infections.

Results: When we analyzed differentially expressed genes, we identified a signature of type I interferons across all cell types. Within the T cell compartment, and particularly within the follicular helper T cells, we identified a senescence signature. The alterations found in T cells were most substantial in the patients with recurrent infection.

Conclusions: While T cell numbers can often normalize in patients with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, our data indicate significantly altered function as defined by differentially expressed genes and aligned with what is known about T cell senescence. The effect was greatest in the patients with recurrent infection. This would be expected to impact T cell function and may account for ongoing symptoms, reduced B cell maturation, and possibly the risk of immune dysregulation.

Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent oral aphthous ulcers, genital ulcers, skin lesions, and uveitis. Recent genetic studies have identified monogenic diseases with phenotypes resembling BD, including RELA-associated inflammatory disease (RAID), Haploinsufficiency of A20 (HA20), and otulipenia. The RelA gene encodes the RELA protein, which is involved in the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway that regulates the transcription of genes associated with cell survival, apoptosis, and immune responses. In RAID, dysfunction of the NF-κB pathway leads to reduced cell survival and symptoms of BD, such as recurrent fever, chronic mucocutaneous ulceration, arthralgia, and colitis. Herein, we report a pediatric patient who presented with recurrent, severe oral and genital ulcers from the age of five years and was diagnosed with RAID following a documented RelA gene mutation. The patient responded to a combination of corticosteroids, colchicine and methotrexate. RAID should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with early onset recurrent fever and mucosal ulcerations.

We describe a 3-year-old patient with xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) and genetically confirmed XPA deficiency who presented with recurrent infections in early childhood. Immunological assessment revealed mild hypogammaglobulinemia with IgG2 and IgG3 subclass deficiencies, as well as impaired humoral immunity demonstrated by a reduced antibody response to repeated vaccinations against bacterial antigens. Flow cytometric analysis further showed an altered distribution of peripheral T helper (TH) cell subsets. In addition, we report a second case: a 33-year-old XP patient with ERCC4 deficiency who also exhibited IgG3 subclass deficiency and reduced response to booster vaccination. Functional studies revealed defective nucleotide excision repair (NER) following UV-C exposure, along with reduced B-cell activation capacity. These findings suggest a potential link between XP and immunoglobulin subclass deficiencies, indicating a susceptibility to infections in affected individuals. We therefore recommend that patients diagnosed with XP undergo comprehensive immunological evaluation to allow early detection of immunodeficiency and timely intervention, including booster vaccinations or prophylactic measures such as low-dose antibiotics or immunoglobulin replacement therapy when indicated.

Patient-reported outcomes are critical to multidisciplinary, patient-centred approaches in diseases requiring lifelong management. Among inborn errors of immunity (IEIs), reports on this subject are typically limited to specific diagnostic subgroups or focus narrowly on the route of immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT), offering a restricted perspective. We aimed to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and IgRT-related treatment satisfaction (TS) of a heterogeneous cohort of IEI patients and identify factors influencing these outcomes to guide improving the health and well-being of IEI patients. We conducted a cross-sectional survey targeting IEI patients on IgRT, assessing TS (TSQM-9) and HRQoL (KINDL/SF-36). Patient/caregiver-reported data were integrated with clinical data to identify outcomes and influencing factors. The survey included 500 IEI patients (356 children, 144 adults) diagnosed 54% Primary Antibody Deficiency (PAD), 36% combined immunodeficiency, 7% immune-dysregulation, and 3% other IEIs. Non-PAD diagnoses, comorbidities, absence of school/work attendance, and IgRT-related systemic adverse reactions negatively impacted HRQoL. Severe infections and related hospitalizations adversely influenced both HRQoL and TS. The subcutaneous route of IgRT, particularly at home, was associated with higher TS due to its convenience and reduced school/work absenteeism. However, the IgRT route did not influence adult HRQoL. Patient-reported well-being and satisfaction in IEIs are multifactorial and cannot be solely attributed to the route of IgRT. Minimizing negative experiences related to the disease or its treatment and, where possible, encouraging patients to maintain school/work attendance or engage in activities that promote societal participation can enhance self-esteem, coping abilities, and overall well-being.