Increased risk of hematologic malignancies in primary immunodeficiency disorders: opportunities for immunotherapy

Pathogenic TNFRSF13B Variant in an Adult Japanese Patient with Common Variable Immunodeficiency

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary B cell immunodeficiency disorder. Symptoms do not develop immediately after birth, and patients are often diagnosed in childhood and adulthood. These patients often develop autoimmune diseases and malignant tumors. We herein report a 50-year-old woman with severe hypogammaglobulinemia and recurrent respiratory tract infections who was diagnosed with CVID. Target sequencing showed a TNFRSF13B heterozygous frameshift variant. The patient had many comorbidities, probably caused by a CVID-induced immune imbalance. Physicians who treat adult patients are often unaware of CVID. CVID should be recognized as a differential diagnosis in hypogammaglobulinemia and recurrent infections.

Effect of rituximab on immune status in children with aggressive mature B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-a prospective study from CCCG-BNHL-2015

Background

Limited research has been conducted on the impact of rituximab on immune function and the incidence of side effects in children undergoing combination chemotherapy for aggressive mature B-cell lymphoma/leukemia.

Methods

Clinical data from 85 patients with primary pediatric aggressive mature B-cell lymphoma/leukemia, treated according to the Chinese Children's Cancer Group (CCCG)-mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (BNHL)-2015 protocol from June 1, 2015, to December 1, 2022, were collected from three tertiary medical centers in China. Patients with pre-existing malignancies or primary immune deficiencies (PIDs) were excluded.

Results

Between June 1, 2015, and December 1, 2022, 85 patients (65 [76.5%] boys and 20[23.5%] girls; mean age, 6.95 years) were enrolled, and immune data at baseline during follow-up were analyzed. At the end of chemotherapy, a higher proportion of patients in the R4 group exhibited a decrease in peripheral blood CD3- CD19+ B cells (20[100%] of 20 vs 13[47.8%] of 18, p = 0.04), CD3+ T cells (21[91.3%] of 23 vs 14[60.9%] of 23, p = 0.016), and serum IgM (14[60.9%] of 23 vs 4[17.4%] of 23, p = 0.003) compared to the R3 group. However, these differences were no longer statistically significant six months after chemotherapy administration. The combination of rituximab with AA was associated with a higher incidence of significant thrombocytopenia (49[81.7%] of 60 vs 29[52.7%] of 55, p = 0.001) and infection (35[58.3%] of 60 vs 17[30.9%] of 55, p = 0.003) compared to AA alone. Furthermore, the combination of rituximab with BB was linked to a higher incidence of significant thrombocytopenia (32[52.5%] of 61 vs 31[31.0%] of 100, p = 0.007) compared to BB alone.

Conclusions

While the effects of rituximab in combination with intense chemotherapy for childhood aggressive mature B-cell lymphoma/leukemia on children's immune function generally recovers within six months it may still prolong the recovery from immunoglobulinemia, posing a risk of secondary infections. Further studies are required to identify children with potential primary immunodeficiencies.

Genetic Characteristics of Patients with Young-Onset Myelodysplastic Neoplasms

Myelodysplastic neoplasm (MDS) is a heterogeneous group of myeloid neoplasms affected by germline and somatic genetic alterations. The incidence of MDS increases with age but rarely occurs at a young age. We investigated the germline and somatic genetic alterations of Korean patients with young-onset MDS (<40 years). Among the thirty-one patients, five (16.1%) had causative germline variants predisposing them to myeloid neoplasms (three with GATA2 variants and one each with PGM3 and ETV variants). We found that PGM3 deficiency, a subtype of severe immunodeficiency, predisposes patients to MDS. Somatic mutations were identified in 14 patients (45.2%), with lower rates in patients aged < 20 years (11.1%). Nine (29%) patients had U2AF1 S34F/Y mutations, and patients with U2AF1 mutations showed significantly worse progression-free survival (p < 0.001) and overall survival (p = 0.006) than those without U2AF1 mutations. A UBA1 M41T mutation that causes VEXAS syndrome was identified in a male patient. In conclusion, a germline predisposition to myeloid neoplasms occurred in ~16% of young-onset MDS patients and was largely associated with primary immunodeficiencies, including GATA2 deficiency. Furthermore, the high frequency of somatic U2AF1 mutations in patients with young-onset MDS suggests the presence of a distinct MDS subtype.

TNFRSF13B gene mutation in familial acute myeloid leukemia: A new piece in the complex scenario of hereditary predisposition?

TNFRSF13B mutations are widely associated with common variable immunodeficiency. TNFRSF13B was recently counted among relevant genes associated with childhood-onset of hematological malignancies; nonetheless, its role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unexplored. We report the study of a family with two cases of AML, sharing a germline TNFRSF13B mutation favoring the formation of a more stable complex with its ligand TNFSF13: a positive regulator of AML-initiating cells. Our data turn the spotlight onto the TNFRSF13B role in AML onset, inserting a new fragment into the complex scenario of a hereditary predisposition to myeloid neoplasms.

γδ T cells: origin and fate, subsets, diseases and immunotherapy

The intricacy of diseases, shaped by intrinsic processes like immune system exhaustion and hyperactivation, highlights the potential of immune renormalization as a promising strategy in disease treatment. In recent years, our primary focus has centered on γδ T cell-based immunotherapy, particularly pioneering the use of allogeneic Vδ2+ γδ T cells for treating late-stage solid tumors and tuberculosis patients. However, we recognize untapped potential and optimization opportunities to fully harness γδ T cell effector functions in immunotherapy. This review aims to thoroughly examine γδ T cell immunology and its role in diseases. Initially, we elucidate functional differences between γδ T cells and their αβ T cell counterparts. We also provide an overview of major milestones in γδ T cell research since their discovery in 1984. Furthermore, we delve into the intricate biological processes governing their origin, development, fate decisions, and T cell receptor (TCR) rearrangement within the thymus. By examining the mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor functions of distinct γδ T cell subtypes based on γδTCR structure or cytokine release, we emphasize the importance of accurate subtyping in understanding γδ T cell function. We also explore the microenvironment-dependent functions of γδ T cell subsets, particularly in infectious diseases, autoimmune conditions, hematological malignancies, and solid tumors. Finally, we propose future strategies for utilizing allogeneic γδ T cells in tumor immunotherapy. Through this comprehensive review, we aim to provide readers with a holistic understanding of the molecular fundamentals and translational research frontiers of γδ T cells, ultimately contributing to further advancements in harnessing the therapeutic potential of γδ T cells.

Immune Checkpoint Pathway Expression in Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

This study aims to gain a deeper understanding of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) by studying immune cells and specific immune checkpoint signaling pathways. The analysis of the percentage of selected immune points and their ligands (PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4/CD86, and CD200R/CD200) on peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations was performed using flow cytometry, and additional analyses determining the serum concentration of the above-mentioned molecules were performed using enzyme immunoassay tests. The obtained results indicate several significant changes in the percentage of almost all tested molecules on selected subpopulations of T and B lymphocytes in both CVID and CLL patients in relation to healthy volunteers and between the disease subunits themselves. The results obtained were also supported by the analysis of the serum concentration of soluble molecules tested. By uncovering valuable insights, we hope to enhance our comprehension and management of these conditions, considering both immunodeficiencies and hematological malignancies. Understanding the role of these signaling pathways in disease development and progression may lead to the development of modern, personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, this knowledge may enable the monitoring of the immune system in patients with CVID and CLL, paving the way for improved patient care in the future.

Could Immune Checkpoint Disorders and EBV Reactivation Be Connected in the Development of Hematological Malignancies in Immunodeficient Patients?

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) and secondary immunodeficiencies (SIDs) are characterized by compromised immune function, rendering individuals susceptible to infections and potentially influencing cancer development. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a widespread herpesvirus, has been linked to cancer, particularly in those with weakened immune systems. This study aims to compare selected immune parameters, focusing on immune checkpoint molecules (PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4/CD86, CD200R/CD200), and EBV reactivation in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL, a representative of SIDs) and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID, a representative of PIDs). We performed a correlation analysis involving patients diagnosed with CLL, CVID, and a healthy control group. EBV reactivation was assessed using specific antibody serology and viral load quantification. Peripheral blood morphology, biochemistry, and immunophenotyping were performed, with emphasis on T and B lymphocytes expressing immune checkpoints and their serum concentrations. Our findings revealed elevated EBV reactivation markers in both CLL and CVID patients compared with healthy controls, indicating increased viral activity in immunodeficient individuals. Furthermore, immune checkpoint expression analysis demonstrated significantly altered percentages of T and B lymphocytes expressing PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4/CD86, and CD200R/CD200 in CLL and CVID patients. This suggests a potential interplay between immune checkpoint dysregulation and EBV reactivation in the context of immunodeficiency. In conclusion, our study underscores the intricate relationship between immune dysfunction, EBV reactivation, and immune checkpoint modulation in the context of immunodeficiency-associated cancers. The altered expression of immune checkpoints, along with heightened EBV reactivation, suggests a potential mechanism for immune evasion and tumor progression. These findings provide insights into the complex interactions that contribute to cancer development in immunocompromised individuals, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets for improved management and treatment outcomes. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to explore potential interventions to mitigate cancer risk in these patient populations.

Chimeric antigen receptor T cells therapy in solid tumors

Chimeric antigen receptor T cells therapy (CAR-T therapy) is a class of ACT therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is an engineered synthetic receptor of CAR-T, which give T cells the ability to recognize tumor antigens in a human leukocyte antigen-independent (HLA-independent) manner and enables them to recognize more extensive target antigens than natural T cell surface receptor (TCR), resulting in tumor destruction. CAR-T is composed of an extracellular single-chain variable fragment (scFv) of antibody, which serves as the targeting moiety, hinge region, transmembrane spacer, and intracellular signaling domain(s). CAR-T has been developing in many generations, which differ according to costimulatory domains. CAR-T therapy has several limitations that reduce its wide availability in immunotherapy which we can summarize in antigen escape that shows either partial or complete loss of target antigen expression, so multiplexing CAR-T cells are promoted to enhance targeting of tumor profiles. In addition, the large diversity in the tumor microenvironment also plays a major role in limiting this kind of treatment. Therefore, engineered CAR-T cells can evoke immunostimulatory signals that rebalance the tumor microenvironment. Using CAR-T therapy in treating the solid tumor is mainly restricted by the difficulty of CAR-T cells infiltrating the tumor site, so local administration was developed to improve the quality of treatment. The most severe toxicity after CAR-T therapy is on-target/on-tumor toxicity, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Another type of toxicity is on-target/off-tumor toxicity which originates from the binding of CAR-T cells to target antigen that has shared expression on normal cells leading to damage in healthy cells and organs. Toxicity management should become a focus of implementation to permit management beyond specialized centers.

Genomic crossroads between non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and common variable immunodeficiency

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) represents the largest group of primary immunodeficiencies that may manifest with infections, inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer, mainly B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Indeed, NHL may result from chronic or recurrent infections and has, therefore, been recognized as a clinical phenotype of CVID, although rare. The more one delves into the mechanisms involved in CVID and cancer, the stronger the idea that both pathologies can be a reflection of the same primer events observed from different angles. The potential effects of germline variants on specific somatic modifications in malignancies suggest that it might be possible to anticipate critical events during tumor development. In the same way, a somatic alteration in NHL could be conditioning a similar response at the transcriptional level in the shared signaling pathways with genetic germline alterations in CVID. We aimed to explore the genomic substrate shared between these entities to better characterize the CVID phenotype immunodeficiency in NHL. By means of an in-silico approach, we interrogated the large, publicly available datasets contained in cBioPortal for the presence of genes associated with genetic pathogenic variants in a panel of 50 genes recurrently altered in CVID and previously described as causative or disease-modifying. We found that 323 (25%) of the 1,309 NHL samples available for analysis harbored variants of the CVID spectrum, with the most recurrent alteration presented in NHL occurring in PIK3CD (6%) and STAT3 (4%). Pathway analysis of common gene alterations showed enrichment in inflammatory, immune surveillance, and defective DNA repair mechanisms similar to those affected in CVID, with PIK3R1 appearing as a central node in the protein interaction network. The co-occurrence of gene alterations was a frequent phenomenon. This study represents an attempt to identify common genomic grounds between CVID and NHL. Further prospective studies are required to better know the role of genetic variants associated with CVID and their reflection on the somatic pathogenic variants responsible for cancer, as well as to characterize the CVID-like phenotype in NHL, with the potential to influence early CVID detection and therapeutic management.

CD4+ Cytotoxic T Cells Involved in the Development of EBV-Associated Diseases

Activated cytotoxic CD4 T cells (HLA-DR+) play an important role in the control of EBV infection, especially in cells with latency I (EBNA-1). One of the evasion mechanisms of these latency cells is generated by gp42, which, via peripherally binding to the β1 domain of the β chain of MHC class II (HLA-DQ, -DR, and -DP) of the infected B lymphocyte, can block/alter the HLA class II/T-cell receptor (TCR) interaction, and confer an increased level of susceptibility towards the development of EBV-associated autoimmune diseases or cancer in genetically predisposed individuals (HLA-DRB1* and DQB1* alleles). The main developments predisposing the factors of these diseases are: EBV infection; HLA class II risk alleles; sex; and tissue that is infiltrated with EBV-latent cells, forming ectopic lymphoid structures. Therefore, there is a need to identify treatments for eliminating cells with EBV latency, because the current treatments (e.g., antivirals and rituximab) are ineffective.

Spontaneous Hind Limb Paralysis Due to Acute Precursor B Cell Leukemia in RAG1-deficient Mice

RAG1-deficient mice are a frequently used immunodeficient mouse strain lacking mature lymphocytes. Apart from an elevated risk for infections, no predispositions for diseases of this strain have been described so far. We here report a high incidence of spontaneous pro B cell leukemia resulting in hind limb paralysis in our colony of RAG1-deficient mice. At an age of 7–13 months, animals developed hind limb paralysis and rapid decrease of the overall health condition leading to the need of euthanasia. Histological and flow cytometric analyses as well as micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scans revealed CD45⁺ CD19⁺ IgM⁻ cell infiltrates in the spleen, the bone marrow, and the spinal canal. Monthly blood sampling and screening for CD19⁺ blast frequency in the peripheral blood was successfully established for monitoring of leukemia development before symptom onset. We conclude that facilities that breed RAG1-deficient mice should be aware of the risk of leukemia development in this strain and recommend to implement regular blood sampling for aged RAG1-deficient animals.

Inborn Errors of Immunity and Cancer

Simple Summary

Inborn Errors of Immunity (IEI) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by a defect in the function of at least one, and often more, components of the immune system. The overall risk for cancer in children with IEI ranges from 4 to 25%. Several factors, namely, age of the patient, viral infection status and IEI type can influence the development of different cancer types. Immunologists and oncologists should interact to monitor and promptly diagnose the potential development of cancer in known IEI patients, as well as an underlying IEI in newly diagnosed cancers with suggestive medical history or high rate of therapy-related toxicity. The creation of an international registry of IEI cases with detailed information on the occurrence of cancer is fundamental to optimizing the diagnostic process and to evaluating the outcomes of new therapeutic options, with the aim of improving prognosis and reducing comorbidities.

Abstract

Inborn Errors of Immunity (IEI) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by a defect in the function of at least one, and often more, components of the immune system. The aim of this narrative review is to discuss the epidemiology, the pathogenesis and the correct management of tumours in patients with IEI. PubMed was used to search for all of the studies published over the last 20 years using the keywords: “inborn errors of immunity” or “primary immunodeficiency” and “cancer” or “tumour” or “malignancy”. Literature analysis showed that the overall risk for cancer in children with IEI ranges from 4 to 25%. Several factors, namely, age of the patient, viral infection status and IEI type can influence the development of different cancer types. The knowledge of a specific tumour risk in the presence of IEI highlights the importance of a synergistic effort by immunologists and oncologists in tracking down the potential development of cancer in known IEI patients, as well as an underlying IEI in patients with newly diagnosed cancers. In the current genomic era, the creation of an international registry of IEI cases integrated with malignancies occurrence information is fundamental to optimizing the diagnostic process and to evaluating the outcomes of new therapeutic options, with the hope to obtain a better prognosis for these patients.

Immunodeficiency in cartilage-hair hypoplasia: Pathogenesis, clinical course and management

Cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH) is an autosomal recessive syndromic immunodeficiency with skeletal dysplasia, short stature, hypotrichosis, variable degree of immune dysfunction and increased incidence of anaemia, Hirschsprung disease and malignancy. CHH is caused by variants in the RMRP gene, encoding the untranslated RNA molecule of the mitochondrial RNA-processing endoribonuclease, which participates in for example cell cycle regulation and telomere maintenance. Recent studies have expanded our understanding of the complex pathogenesis of CHH. Immune dysfunction has a major impact on clinical course and prognosis. Clinical features of immune dysfunction are highly variable, progressive and include infections, lung disease, immune dysregulation and malignancy. Mortality is increased compared with the general population, due to infections, malignancy and pulmonary disease. Several risk factors for early mortality have been reported in the Finnish CHH cohort and can be used to guide management. Newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency can possibly be of prognostic value in CHH. Regular follow-up by a multidisciplinary team should be implemented to address immune dysfunction in all patients with CHH, also in asymptomatic cases. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation can cure immune dysfunction, but its benefits in mildly symptomatic patients with CHH remain debatable. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind the variability of clinical features, to search for potential molecular treatment targets, to examine and validate risk factors for early mortality outside the Finnish CHH cohort and to develop management guidelines. This review focuses on the pathogenesis, clinical course and management of CHH.

Malignancy post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant in patients with primary immunodeficiency

INTRODUCTION

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a curative treatment for an expanding number of primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs). Malignancies are more common in patients with PID than in the general population, and this review will discuss whether a successful HCT is expected to abolish or alter this risk. Second malignancy post HCT for a malignant disease is well known to occur, but generally less expected in patients transplanted for PID.

AREAS COVERED

This article reviews recently published literature focusing on the pattern of malignancy in children with PID, incidence, and risk factors for developing malignancy post-HCT for PID and possible strategies to reduce the risks.

EXPERT OPINION

Survival post HCT for PID has improved dramatically in the last 20 years and the genomic revolution has led to an expanding number of indications. To improve long-term quality of life attention needs to focus on late effects, including the possibility of malignancy occurring more frequently than expected in the general population, understand the risks and improve the process of transplantation in order to minimize them. Further studies are needed.

Primary immunodeficiencies and their associated risk of malignancies in children: an overview

Primary immunodeficiency disorders represent a heterogeneous spectrum of diseases, predisposing to recurrent infections, allergy, and autoimmunity. While an association between primary immunodeficiency disorders and increased risk of cancer has been suggested since the 1970s, renewed attention has been given to this topic in the last decade, largely in light of the availability of large registries as well as advances in next generation sequencing. In this narrative review, we will give an insight of the primary immunodeficiencies that are commonly responsible for the greater number of cancers in the primary immunodeficiency disorders population. We will describe clinical presentations, underlying genetic lesions (if known), molecular mechanisms for carcinogenesis, as well as some management considerations. We will also comment on the future directions and challenges related to this topic.Conclusion: The awareness of the association between several primary immunodeficiencies and cancer is crucial to provide the best care for these patients.What is Known: • Patients with primary immunodeficiency have an increased risk of malignancy. The type of malignancy is highly dependent on the specific primary immunodeficiency disorder.What is New: • Survival in patients with primary immunodeficiency disorders has been improving, and conversely also their lifetime risk of malignancy. • International collaboration and multinational registries are needed to improve our knowledge and therapeutic strategies.

A 30-Year Prospective Follow-Up Study Reveals Risk Factors for Early Death in Cartilage-Hair Hypoplasia

Cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH) is a skeletal dysplasia with combined immunodeficiency, variable clinical course and increased risk of malignancy. Management of CHH is complicated by a paucity of long-term follow-up data, as well as knowledge on prognostic factors. We assessed clinical course and risk factors for mortality in a prospective cohort study of 80 patients with CHH recruited in 1985-1991 and followed up until 2016. For all patients we collected additional health information from health records and from the national Medical Databases and Cause-of-death Registry. The primary outcome was immunodeficiency-related death, including death from infections, lung disease and malignancy. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated using national mortality rates as reference. Half of the patients (57%, n = 46) manifested no symptoms of immunodeficiency during follow-up while 19% (n = 15) and 24% (n = 19) demonstrated symptoms of humoral or combined immunodeficiency, including six cases of adult-onset immunodeficiency. In a significant proportion of patients (17/79, 22%), clinical features of immunodeficiency progressed over time. Of the 15 patients with non-skin cancer, eight had no preceding clinical symptoms of immunodeficiency. Altogether 20 patients had deceased (SMR = 7.0, 95%CI = 4.3-11); most commonly from malignancy (n = 7, SMR = 10, 95%CI = 4.1-21) and lung disease (n = 4, SMR = 46, 95%CI = 9.5-130). Mortality associated with birth length below -4 standard deviation (compared to normal, SMR/SMR ratio = 5.4, 95%CI = 1.5-20), symptoms of combined immunodeficiency (compared to asymptomatic, SMR/SMR ratio = 3.9, 95%CI = 1.3-11), Hirschsprung disease (odds ratio (OR) 7.2, 95%CI = 1.04-55), pneumonia in the first year of life or recurrently in adulthood (OR = 7.6/19, 95%CI = 1.3-43/2.6-140) and autoimmunity in adulthood (OR = 39, 95%CI = 3.5-430). In conclusion, patients with CHH may develop adult-onset immunodeficiency or malignancy without preceding clinical symptoms of immune defect, warranting careful follow-up. Variable disease course and risk factors for mortality should be acknowledged.

A Systematic Review on Predisposition to Lymphoid (B and T cell) Neoplasias in Patients With Primary Immunodeficiencies and Immune Dysregulatory Disorders (Inborn Errors of Immunity)

Primary immunodeficiencies and immune dysregulatory disorders (PIDDs; now referred to as inborn errors in immunity) are rare disorders with a prevalence of 41. 4 or 50.5 per 100,000 persons (1). The incidence of malignancy in PIDD patents is the second-highest cause of death in children as well as adults, after infection, and is higher in certain PIDDs compared to others. We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify reports of B cell and T cell neoplasias in PIDDs and clustered them based on their classification in the IUIS schema. As would be expected, higher susceptibility to malignancies are typically reported in patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), combined immunodeficiencies affecting cellular immunity, in particular, DNA repair defects, or in the context of impaired immune regulatory control. There is not much evidence of increased risk for cancer in patients with innate immune defects, indicating that not all types of infection or genetic susceptibility predispose equally to cancer risk. Viral infections, in particular EBV, HHV and HPV, have been shown to increase susceptibility to developing cancer, but also patients with defects in immune regulation, such as Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS), activated p110delta syndrome (APDS type 1) and IL-10 receptor deficiency among others have a higher incidence of neoplastic disease, particularly lymphomas. In fact, lymphomas account for two-thirds of all malignancies reported in PIDD patients (2), with either a combined immunodeficiency or DNA repair defect predominating as the underlying immune defect in one registry, or antibody deficiencies in another (3). The vast majority of lymphomas reported in the context of PIDDs are B cell lymphomas, though T cell lymphomas have been reported in a few studies, and tend to largely be associated with chromosomal breakage disorders (4) or Cartilage Hair Hypoplasia (5). There appears to be a much higher prevalence of T cell lymphomas in patients with secondary immunodeficiencies (6), though this could reflect treatment bias. We reviewed the literature and summarized the reports of B and T cell lymphoma in PIDD patients to survey the current state of knowledge in this area.

Primary Immunodeficiency and Cancer Predisposition Revisited: Embedding Two Closely Related Concepts Into an Integrative Conceptual Framework

Common understanding suggests that the normal function of a "healthy" immune system safe-guards and protects against the development of malignancies, whereas a genetically impaired one might increase the likelihood of their manifestation. This view is primarily based on and apparently supported by an increased incidence of such diseases in patients with specific forms of immunodeficiencies that are caused by high penetrant gene defects. As I will review and discuss herein, such constellations merely represent the tip of an iceberg. The overall situation is by far more varied and complex, especially if one takes into account the growing difficulties to define what actually constitutes an immunodeficiency and what defines a cancer predisposition. The enormous advances in genome sequencing, in bioinformatic analyses and in the functional in vitro and in vivo assessment of novel findings together with the availability of large databases provide us with a wealth of information that steadily increases the number of sequence variants that concur with clinically more or less recognizable immunological problems and their consequences. Since many of the newly identified hard-core defects are exceedingly rare, their tumor predisposing effect is difficult to ascertain. The analyses of large data sets, on the other hand, continuously supply us with low penetrant variants that, at least in statistical terms, are clearly tumor predisposing, although their specific relevance for the respective carriers still needs to be carefully assessed on an individual basis. Finally, defects and variants that affect the same gene families and pathways in both a constitutional and somatic setting underscore the fact that immunodeficiencies and cancer predisposition can be viewed as two closely related errors of development. Depending on the particular genetic and/or environmental context as well as the respective stage of development, the same changes can have either a neutral, predisposing and, in some instances, even a protective effect. To understand the interaction between the immune system, be it "normal" or "deficient" and tumor predisposition and development on a systemic level, one therefore needs to focus on the structure and dynamic functional organization of the entire immune system rather than on its isolated individual components alone.

Management of XLP-1 and ITK deficiency: The challenges posed by PID with an unpredictable spectrum of disease manifestations

The incorporation of next generation sequencing into routine immunological practice has enabled the identification of novel inborn errors of disease, helped define new categories of immune deficiency and extended the clinical spectrum associated with many long-recognised diseases. The family of EBV (Epstein Barr Virus)-sensitive primary immune deficiencies is one such group and in this paper we describe three families: two with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease type-1 (XLP-1) and one with deficiency of Interleukin-2 Inducible T-cell Kinase (ITK). Both diseases have a wide range of clinical manifestations and are united by an exquisite predisposition to EBV, dysgammaglobulinemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and lymphoma. We detail our approach to diagnosis, treatment, and risk stratification in these diseases where both clinicians and patients must grapple with constant uncertainty.

Translating the Game: Ribosomes as Active Players

Ribosomes have been long considered as executors of the translational program. The fact that ribosomes can control the translation of specific mRNAs or entire cellular programs is often neglected. Ribosomopathies, inherited diseases with mutations in ribosomal factors, show tissue specific defects and cancer predisposition. Studies of ribosomopathies have paved the way to the concept that ribosomes may control translation of specific mRNAs. Studies in Drosophila and mice support the existence of heterogeneous ribosomes that differentially translate mRNAs to coordinate cellular programs. Recent studies have now shown that ribosomal activity is not only a critical regulator of growth but also of metabolism. For instance, glycolysis and mitochondrial function have been found to be affected by ribosomal availability. Also, ATP levels drop in models of ribosomopathies. We discuss findings highlighting the relevance of ribosome heterogeneity in physiological and pathological conditions, as well as the possibility that in rate-limiting situations, ribosomes may favor some translational programs. We discuss the effects of ribosome heterogeneity on cellular metabolism, tumorigenesis and aging. We speculate a scenario in which ribosomes are not only executors of a metabolic program but act as modulators.

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) affected by chronic immunological disease: A tool-box for success during the transition to adult care

Adolescence is a time of physical, psychological and social changes between childhood and adulthood. All adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are in transition and experience key underlying processes that will influence their later life. It is a critical period, particularly for AYAs with a chronic medical condition. Diseases can start at any point during adolescence. The transition of care will concern health care providers, as well as more unexpected actors such as social workers, teachers, business managers and the family. In this review, we focus on transition in primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) and autoimmune diseases (AIDs). We describe the challenges and needs of transition in the field. Questions that AYAs with PID and/or AID must face during transition in their familial, professional and personal life are discussed. We expose a practical, AYA centered approach to help physicians in their daily practice, and we propose a position for the future.