Severe combined immunodeficiency. A model disease for molecular immunology and therapy

Maternal effects on offspring immunity in fish

The aquaculture industry faces many challenges, particularly concerning disease-related mortality during early life stages. Disease impacts at this stage can disrupt seed stock availability and potentially affect industry supply chains. Enhancing immunocompetence in aquaculture species is crucial for sustainable and cost-effective production, with potential benefits including increased survival and reduced dependence on therapeutics such as antibiotics. Maternal immunity involving the transfer of immune factors from adult female broodstock to eggs and/or embryos can play a critical role in protecting vulnerable offspring against pathogens until their immune system becomes immunocompetent. This review summarizes the current understanding of maternal immunity in fish and provides insights into the factors influencing its impact on offspring of different fish species and their immune responses. In specific cases, maternal immunity can be targeted and enhanced to offer practical applications for aquaculture disease management and enhanced production. Understanding and optimizing maternal transfer of immunity in aquaculture holds significant potential for improving fish health and reducing disease impact.

Preimplantation genetic testing for four families with severe combined immunodeficiency: Three unaffected livebirths

PURPOSE

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a set of rare monogenic inherited diseases that together represent the most severe form of the primary immunodeficiency disease phenotype. Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic defects (PGT-M) is an effective reproductive technology strategy to prevent disease-causing gene mutations from being transmitted to offspring. The aim of this study was to report the use of PGT-M strategy based on karyomapping in four families to avoid the birth of SCID children.

METHODS

Four couples underwent the PGT-M strategy due to SCID. The strategy of PGT-M started with a biopsy of the trophectoderm cells of embryos, and the whole genome was amplified by multiple replacement amplification (MDA). Then, the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the region upstream and downstream of the mutation site were subsequently identified via karyomapping, and the results were analyzed via SNPs linkage analysis. The aneuploids of the embryos were identified simultaneously. Finally, prenatal amniocentesis was used to verify the validity of the PGT-M results.

RESULTS

We identified three novel variants (case1: IL2RG c.720_726delGAGCCAC; case 3: RAG2 c.770 C > T; and case 4: LIG4 c.1347 A > T). All four couples with SCID pathogenic gene mutations were subjected to karyomapping linkage analysis, and embryos with the pathogenic gene mutation were successfully identified. Euploid blastocysts without pathogenic alleles were transplanted, and healthy offspring were ultimately born. Prenatal diagnosis also confirmed the validity of our results.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that karyomapping is an efficient approach for identifying SCID. Through PGT-M with karyomapping linkage analysis, healthy babies were born to families carrying mutations in the SCID pathogenic gene.

Unrelated cord blood transplantation using minimal-intensity conditioning in a 1.5-month-old infant with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency

BACKGROUND

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a heterogenous disorder with profound deficiency of T/B-cell functions. The best SCID therapy requires hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) early in life. HSCT with conditioning is necessary to achieve a long-term reconstitution of B-cell functions. However, conditioning may aggravate pre-existing infection and cause transplant-related toxicity, especially in very young infants. Hence, the intensity of conditioning should be reduced to allow the reconstitution of immunity including B cells to the extent that prevents transplant-related toxicity and delayed complications.

METHODS

An infant with a family history of X-linked SCID (X-SCID) was diagnosed with X-SCID disorder soon after birth. The infant exhibited cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection despite being strictly isolated. At 1.5 months of age, we performed an unrelated cord blood transplantation (CBT) with a less intensity conditioning regimen: fludarabine (125 mg/m2) + melphalan (80 mg/m2). We evaluated the efficacy of reconstitution by assessing B-cell function and growth and psychomotor development at 5 years and 7 months after CBT.

RESULTS

The clinical course after CBT was uneventful after CBT. The CMV infection was fully controlled by ganciclovir or foscavir therapy, which was discontinued at day 55 after CBT. Furthermore, immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement therapy was also discontinued at 6 months after CBT. A sufficient proportion of CD27+ memory B cells was developed, which was essential for an effective vaccination and prevention of infections. While the B-cell chimerism became recipient-dominant, the Ig replacement therapy was substituted by very successful post-vaccine immunity acquisition after CBT. The analysis of the general developmental parameters showed that chemotherapy did not cause any delay in growth and psychomotor development.

CONCLUSIONS

The CBT therapy with this conditioning regimen was well tolerated and induced an effective reconstitution of B-cell functions in an X-SCID infant under the 3 months of age.

Case of T-B+NK+ X-Linked Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease

We report a case of T-B+NK+ severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) caused by IL2RG gene mutation (NM_000206.3 [IL2RG]: c.925-2A > G). The patient, a 2-month-old male, experienced multiple infections and decreased white blood cells in the early postnatal period. Antibiotic treatment was ineffective and ultimately resulted in multiple organ failure. The second-generation gene sequencing of patient showed that the IL2RG gene had a hemizygous mutation NM_000206.3 (IL2RG): c.925-2A > G, indicating a classical splice site mutation. According to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG), NM_00206.3 (IL2RG): c.925-2A > G variants can be classified as pathogenic (PVS1&PM1&PM6).

Base Editors-Mediated Gene Therapy in Hematopoietic Stem Cells for Hematologic Diseases

Base editors, developed from the CRISPR/Cas system, consist of components such as deaminase and Cas variants. Since their emergence in 2016, the precision, efficiency, and safety of base editors have been gradually optimized. The feasibility of using base editors in gene therapy has been demonstrated in several disease models. Compared with the CRISPR/Cas system, base editors have shown great potential in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and HSC-based gene therapy, because they do not generate double-stranded breaks (DSBs) while achieving the precise realization of single-base substitutions. This precise editing mechanism allows for the permanent correction of genetic defects directly at their source within HSCs, thus promising a lasting therapeutic effect. Recent advances in base editors are expected to significantly increase the number of clinical trials for HSC-based gene therapies. In this review, we summarize the development and recent progress of DNA base editors, discuss their applications in HSC gene therapy, and highlight the prospects and challenges of future clinical stem cell therapies.

Quality considerations and major pitfalls for high throughput DNA-based newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency and spinal muscular atrophy

BACKGROUND

Many newborn screening programs worldwide have introduced screening for diseases using DNA extracted from dried blood spots (DBS). In Germany, DNA-based assays are currently used to screen for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and sickle cell disease (SCD).

METHODS

This study analysed the impact of pre-analytic DNA carry-over in sample preparation on the outcome of DNA-based newborn screening for SCID and SMA and compared the efficacy of rapid extraction versus automated protocols. Additionally, the distribution of T cell receptor excision circles (TREC) on DBS cards, commonly used for routine newborn screening, was determined.

RESULTS

Contaminations from the punching procedure were detected in the SCID and SMA assays in all experimental setups tested. However, a careful evaluation of a cut-off allowed for a clear separation of true positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifications. Our rapid in-house extraction protocol produced similar amounts compared to automated commercial systems. Therefore, it can be used for reliable DNA-based screening. Additionally, the amount of extracted DNA significantly differs depending on the location of punching within a DBS.

CONCLUSIONS

Newborn screening for SMA and SCID can be performed reliably. It is crucial to ensure that affected newborns are not overlooked. Therefore a carefully consideration of potential contaminating factors and the definition of appropriate cut-offs to minimise the risk of false results are of special concern. It is also important to note that the location of punching plays a pivotal role, and therefore an exact quantification of TREC numbers per μl may not be reliable and should therefore be avoided.

Generation of inactivated IL2RG and RAG1 monkeys with severe combined immunodeficiency using base editing

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) encompasses a range of inherited disorders that lead to a profound deterioration of the immune system. Among the pivotal genes associated with SCID, RAG1 and IL2RG play crucial roles. IL2RG is essential for the development, differentiation, and functioning of T, B, and NK cells, while RAG1 critically contributes to adaptive immunity by facilitating V(D)J recombination during the maturation of lymphocytes. Animal models carrying mutations in these genes exhibit notable deficiencies in their immune systems. Non-human primates (NHPs) are exceptionally well-suited models for biomedical research due to their genetic and physiological similarities to humans. Cytosine base editors (CBEs) serve as powerful tools for precisely and effectively modifying single-base mutations in the genome. Their successful implementation has been demonstrated in human cells, mice, and crop species. This study outlines the creation of an immunodeficient monkey model by deactivating both the IL2RG and RAG1 genes using the CBE4max system. The base-edited monkeys exhibited a severely compromised immune system characterized by lymphopenia, atrophy of lymphoid organs, and a deficiency of mature T cells. Furthermore, these base-edited monkeys were capable of hosting and supporting the growth of human breast cancer cells, leading to tumor formation. In summary, we have successfully developed an immunodeficient monkey model with the ability to foster tumor growth using the CBE4max system. These immunodeficiency monkeys show tremendous potential as valuable tools for advancing biomedical and translational research.

Dysbiosis and primary B-cell immunodeficiencies: current knowledge and future perspective

According to Elie Metchnikoff, an originator of modern immunology, several pivotal functions for disease and health are provided by indigenous microbiota. Nonetheless, important mechanistic insights have been elucidated more recently, owing to the growing availability of DNA sequencing technology. There are 10 to 100 trillion symbiotic microbes (such as viruses, bacteria, and yeast) in each human gut microbiota. Both locally and systemically, the gut microbiota has been demonstrated to impact immune homeostasis. Primary B-cell immunodeficiencies (PBIDs) are a group of primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) referring to the dysregulated antibody production due to either intrinsic genetic defects or failures in functions of B cells. Recent studies have found that PBIDs cause disruptions in the gut's typical homeostatic systems, resulting in inadequate immune surveillance in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which is linked to increased dysbiosis, which is characterized by a disruption in the microbial homeostasis. This study aimed to review the published articles in this field to provide a comprehensive view of the existing knowledge about the crosstalk between the gut microbiome and PBID, the factors shaping the gut microbiota in PBID, as well as the potential clinical approaches for restoring a normal microbial community.

The application of Interleukin-2 family cytokines in tumor immunotherapy research

The Interleukin-2 Family contains six kinds of cytokines, namely IL-2, IL-15, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-21, all of which share a common γ chain. Many cytokines of the IL-2 family have been reported to be a driving force in immune cells activation. Therefore, researchers have tried various methods to study the anti-tumor effect of cytokines for a long time. However, due to the short half-life, poor stability, easy to lead to inflammatory storms and narrow safety treatment window of cytokines, this field has been tepid. In recent years, with the rapid development of protein engineering technology, some engineered cytokines have a significant effect in tumor immunotherapy, showing an irresistible trend of development. In this review, we will discuss the current researches of the IL-2 family and mainly focus on the application and achievements of engineered cytokines in tumor immunotherapy.

The role of the different CD3γ domains in TCR expression and signaling

The CD3 subunits of the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) play a central role in regulation of surface TCR expression levels. Humans who lack CD3γ (γ^—) show reduced surface TCR expression levels and abolished phorbol ester (PMA)-induced TCR down-regulation. The response to PMA is mediated by a double leucine motif in the intracellular (IC) domain of CD3γ. However, the molecular cause of the reduced TCR surface expression in γ^— lymphocytes is still not known. We used retroviral vectors carrying wild type CD3γ or CD3δ or the following chimeras (EC-extracellular, TM-transmembrane and IC): δ_ECγ_TMγ_IC (δγγ for short), γγδ, γδδ and γγ-. Expression of γγγ, γγδ, γδδ or γγ- in the γ^— T cell line JGN, which lacks surface TCR, demonstrated that cell surface TCR levels in JGN were dependent on the EC domain of CD3γ and could not be replaced by the one of CD3δ. In JGN and primary γ^— patient T cells, the tested chimeras confirmed that the response to PMA maps to the IC domain of CD3γ. Since protein homology explains these results better than domain structure, we conclude that CD3γ contributes conformational cues that improve surface TCR expression, likely at the assembly or membrane transport steps. In JGN cells all chimeric TCRs were signalling competent. However, an IC domain at CD3γ was required for TCR-induced IL-2 and TNF-α production and CD69 expression, indicating that a TCR without a CD3γ IC domain has altered signalling capabilities.

Brd4 Regulates the Homeostasis of CD8+ T-Lymphocytes and Their Proliferation in Response to Antigen Stimulation

CD8+ T cells are major components of adaptive immunity and confer robust protective cellular immunity, which requires adequate T-cell numbers, targeted migration, and efficient T-cell proliferation. Altered CD8+ T-cell homeostasis and impaired proliferation result in dysfunctional immune response to infection or tumorigenesis. However, intrinsic factors controlling CD8+ T-cell homeostasis and immunity remain largely elusive. Here, we demonstrate the prominent role of Brd4 on CD8+ T cell homeostasis and immune response. By upregulating Myc and GLUT1 expression, Brd4 facilitates glucose uptake and energy production in mitochondria, subsequently supporting naïve CD8+ T-cell survival. Besides, Brd4 promotes the trafficking of naïve CD8+ T cells partially through maintaining the expression of homing receptors (CD62L and LFA-1). Furthermore, Brd4 is required for CD8+ T cell response to antigen stimulation, as Brd4 deficiency leads to a severe defect in clonal expansion and terminal differentiation by decreasing glycolysis. Importantly, as JQ1, a pan-BRD inhibitor, severely dampens CD8+ T-cell immune response, its usage as an anti-tumor agent or latency-reversing agent for human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) should be more cautious. Collectively, our study identifies a previously-unexpected role of Brd4 in the metabolic regulation of CD8+ T cell-mediated immune surveillance and also provides a potential immunomodulation target.

Alternative pathways for the development of lymphoid structures in humans

Lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells are critical for inducing the differentiation of most secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) in mice. In humans, JAK3 and γc deficiencies result in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCIDs) characterized by an absence of T cells, natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), and presumably LTi cells. Some of these patients have undergone allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in the absence of myeloablation, which leads to donor T cell engraftment, while other leukocyte subsets are of host origin. By using MRI to look for SLOs in nine of these patients 16 to 44 y after HSCT, we discovered that SLOs were exclusively found in the three areas of the abdomen that drain the intestinal tract. A postmortem examination of a child with γc-SCID who had died 3.5 mo after HSCT showed corticomedullary differentiation in the thymus, T cell zones in the spleen, and the appendix, but in neither lymph nodes nor Peyer patches. Tertiary lymphoid organs were observed in the lung. No RAR-related orphan receptor-positive LTi cells could be detected in the existing lymphoid structures. These results suggest that while LTi cells are required for the genesis of most SLOs in humans, SLO in the appendix and in gut-draining areas, as well as tertiary lymphoid organs, can be generated likely by LTi cell-independent mechanisms.

Case Report: A Novel IL2RG Frame-Restoring Rescue Mutation Mimics Early T Cell Engraftment Following Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in a Patient With X-SCID

Mutations of the interleukin 2 receptor γ chain (IL2RG) result in the most common form of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), which is characterized by severe and persistent infections starting in early life with an absence of T cells and natural killer cells, normal or elevated B cell counts and hypogammaglobulinemia. SCID is commonly fatal within the first year of life, unless the immune system is reconstituted by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or gene therapy. We herein describe a male infant with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (X-SCID) diagnosed at 5 months of age. Genetic testing revealed a novel C to G missense mutation in exon 1 resulting in a 3' splice site disruption with premature stop codon and aberrant IL2 receptor signaling. Following the diagnosis of X-SCID, the patient subsequently underwent a TCRαβ/CD19-depleted haploidentical HSCT. Post transplantation the patient presented with early CD8⁺ T cell recovery with the majority of T cells (>99%) being non-donor T cells. Genetic analysis of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells revealed a spontaneous 14 nucleotide insertion at the mutation site resulting in a novel splice site and restoring the reading frame although defective IL2RG function was still demonstrated. In conclusion, our findings describe a spontaneous second-site mutation in IL2RG as a novel cause of somatic mosaicism and early T cell recovery following haploidentical HSCT.

Gene Therapy for Primary Immunodeficiency

Over the past 3 decades, there has been significant progress in refining gene therapy technologies and procedures. Transduction of hematopoietic stem cells ex vivo using lentiviral vectors can now create a highly effective therapeutic product, capable of reconstituting many different immune system dysfunctions when reinfused into patients. Here, we review the key developments in the gene therapy landscape for primary immune deficiency, from an experimental therapy where clinical efficacy was marred by adverse events, to a commercialized product with enhanced safety and efficacy. We also discuss progress being made in preclinical studies for challenging disease targets and emerging gene editing technologies that are showing promising results, particularly for conditions where gene regulation is important for efficacy.

EuroFlow Standardized Approach to Diagnostic Immunopheneotyping of Severe PID in Newborns and Young Children

The EuroFlow PID consortium developed a set of flow cytometry tests for evaluation of patients with suspicion of primary immunodeficiency (PID). In this technical report we evaluate the performance of the SCID-RTE tube that explores the presence of recent thymic emigrants (RTE) together with T-cell activation status and maturation stages and discuss its applicability in the context of the broader EuroFlow PID flow cytometry testing algorithm for diagnostic orientation of PID of the lymphoid system. We have analyzed peripheral blood cells of 26 patients diagnosed between birth and 2 years of age with a genetically defined primary immunodeficiency disorder: 15 severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) patients had disease-causing mutations in RAG1 or RAG2 (n = 4, two of them presented with Omenn syndrome), IL2RG (n = 4, one of them with confirmed maternal engraftment), NHEJ1 (n = 1), CD3E (n = 1), ADA (n = 1), JAK3 (n = 3, two of them with maternal engraftment) and DCLRE1C (n = 1) and 11 other PID patients had diverse molecular defects [ZAP70 (n = 1), WAS (n = 2), PNP (n = 1), FOXP3 (n = 1), del22q11.2 (DiGeorge n = 4), CDC42 (n = 1) and FAS (n = 1)]. In addition, 44 healthy controls in the same age group were analyzed using the SCID-RTE tube in four EuroFlow laboratories using a standardized 8-color approach. RTE were defined as CD62L+CD45RO-HLA-DR-CD31+ and the activation status was assessed by the expression of HLA-DR+. Naïve CD8+ T-lymphocytes and naïve CD4+ T-lymphocytes were defined as CD62L+CD45RO-HLA-DR-. With the SCID-RTE tube, we identified patients with PID by low levels or absence of RTE in comparison to controls as well as low levels of naïve CD4+ and naïve CD8+ lymphocytes. These parameters yielded 100% sensitivity for SCID. All SCID patients had absence of RTE, including the patients with confirmed maternal engraftment or oligoclonally expanded T-cells characteristic for Omenn syndrome. Another dominant finding was the increased numbers of activated CD4+HLA-DR+ and CD8+HLA-DR+ lymphocytes. Therefore, the EuroFlow SCID-RTE tube together with the previously published PIDOT tube form a sensitive and complete cytometric diagnostic test suitable for patients suspected of severe PID (SCID or CID) as well as for children identified via newborn screening programs for SCID with low or absent T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs).

Flow Cytometry for the Diagnosis of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases: A Single Center Experience

Purpose

While there is an urgent need for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs), current genetic tests have drawbacks. We retrospectively reviewed the usefulness of flow cytometry (FCM) as a quick tool for immunophenotyping and functional assays in patients suspected to have PIDs at a single tertiary care institute.

Methods

Between January 2001 and June 2018, patients suspected of having PIDs were subjected to FCM tests, including lymphocyte subset analysis, detection of surface- or intracellular-target proteins, and functional analysis of immune cells, at Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. The genetic diagnosis was performed using Sanger or diagnostic exome sequencing.

Results

Of 60 patients diagnosed with definite or probable PID according to the European Society of Immune Deficiencies criteria, 24 patients were provided with useful information about immunological dysfunction after initial FCM testing. In 10 patients, the PID diagnosis was based on abnormal findings in FCM testing without genetic tests. The FCM findings provided strong evidence for the diagnosis of severe combined immunodeficiency (n = 6), X-linked chronic granulomatous diseases (CGD) (n = 6), leukocyte adhesion deficiency type 1 (n = 3), X-linked agammaglobulinemia (n = 11), autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome-FASLG (n = 1), and familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 2 (n = 1), and probable evidence for autosomal recessive-CGD (n = 2), autosomal dominant-hyper-immunoglobulin E (IgE)-syndrome (n = 1), and STAT1 gain-of-function mutation (n = 1). In PIDs derived from PIK3CD (n = 2), LRBA (n = 2), and CTLA4 mutations (n = 3), the FCM test provided useful evidence of immune abnormalities and a tool for treatment monitoring.

Conclusions

The initial application of FCM, particularly with known protein targets on immune cells, would facilitate the timely diagnosis of PIDs and thus would support clinical decisions and improve the clinical outcome.

Genetic mutations and immunological features of severe combined immunodeficiency patients in Iran

BACKGROUND

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is the most severe form of primary immunodeficiency disorders that is characterized by impaired early T lymphocyte differentiation and is variably associated with abnormal development of other lymphocyte lineages. SCID can be caused by mutations in more than 20 different genes. Molecular diagnosis in SCID patients contributes to genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis, treatment modalities, and overall prognosis. In this cohort, the clinical, laboratory and genetic data related to Iranian SCID patients were comprehensively evaluated and efficiency of stepwise sequencing methods approach based on immunophenotype grouping was investigated METHODS: Clinical and laboratory data from 242 patients with SCID phenotype were evaluated. Molecular genetic analysis methods including Sanger sequencing, targeted gene panel and whole exome sequencing were performed on 62 patients.

RESULTS

Mortality rate was 78.9% in the cohort with a median follow-up of four months. The majority of the patients had a phenotype of T-NK-B+ (34.3%) and the most severe clinical manifestation and highest mortality rate were observed in T-NK-B- SCID cases. Genetic mutations were confirmed in 50 patients (80.6%), of which defects in recombination-activating genes (RAG1 and RAG2) were found in 16 patients (32.0%). The lowest level of CD4+ and CD8+ cells were observed in patients with ADA deficiency (p = 0.026) and IL2RG deficiency (p = 0.019), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Current findings suggest that candidate gene approach based on patient's immunophenotype might accelerate molecular diagnosis of SCID patients. Candidate gene selection should be done according to the frequency of disease-causing genes in different populations. Targeted gene panel, WES and WGS methods can be used for the cases which are not diagnosed using this method.

A Practical Guide to Genome Editing Using Targeted Nuclease Technologies

Genome engineering using programmable nucleases is a rapidly evolving technique that enables precise genetic manipulations within complex genomes. Although this technology first surfaced with the creation of meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases, and transcription activator-like effector nucleases, CRISPR-Cas9 has been the most widely adopted platform because of its ease of use. This comprehensive review presents a basic overview of genome engineering and discusses the major technological advances in the field. In addition to nucleases, we discuss CRISPR-derived base editors and epigenetic modifiers. We also delve into practical applications of these tools, including creating custom-edited cell and animal models as well as performing genetic screens. Finally, we discuss the potential for therapeutic applications and ethical considerations related to employing this technology in humans. © 2019 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 9:665-714, 2019.

The microbiome and immunodeficiencies: Lessons from rare diseases

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are inherited disorders of the immune system, associated with a considerable increase in susceptibility to infections. PIDs can also predispose to malignancy, inflammation and autoimmunity. There is increasing awareness that some aspects of the immune dysregulation in PIDs may be linked to intestinal microbiota. Indeed, the gut microbiota and its metabolites have been shown to influence immune functions and immune homeostasis both locally and systemically. Recent studies have indicated that genetic defects causing PIDs lead to perturbations in the conventional mechanisms underlying homeostasis in the gut, resulting in poor immune surveillance at the intestinal barrier, which associates with altered intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation. Consistently, a substantial proportion of PID patients presents with clinically challenging IBD-like pathology. Here, we describe the current body of literature reporting on dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in different PIDs and how this can be either the result or cause of immune dysregulation. Further, we report how infections in PIDs enhance pathobionts colonization and speculate how, in turn, pathobionts may be responsible for increased disease susceptibility and secondary infections in these patients. The potential relationship between the microbial composition in the intestine and other sites, such as the oral cavity and skin, is also highlighted. Finally, we provide evidence, in preclinical models of PIDs, for the efficacy of microbiota manipulation to ameliorate disease complications, and suggest that the potential use of dietary intervention to correct dysbiotic flora in PID patients may hold promise.

The Common Cytokine Receptor γ Chain Family of Cytokines

Interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-15, and IL-21 form a family of cytokines based on their sharing the common cytokine receptor γ chain (γc), which was originally discovered as the third receptor component of the IL-2 receptor, IL-2Rγ. The IL2RG gene is located on the X chromosome and is mutated in humans with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (XSCID). The breadth of the defects in XSCID could not be explained solely by defects in IL-2 signaling, and it is now clear that γc is a shared receptor component of the six cytokines noted above, making XSCID a disease of defective cytokine signaling. Janus kinase (JAK)3 associates with γc, and JAK3-deficient SCID phenocopies XSCID, findings that served to stimulate the development of JAK3 inhibitors as immunosuppressants. γc family cytokines collectively control broad aspects of lymphocyte development, growth, differentiation, and survival, and these cytokines are clinically important, related to allergic and autoimmune diseases and cancer as well as immunodeficiency. In this review, we discuss the actions of these cytokines, their critical biological roles and signaling pathways, focusing mainly on JAK/STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) signaling, and how this information is now being used in clinical therapeutic efforts.

Nutritional Programming Effects on the Immune System

The relationship between patterns of early growth and age-associated diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease is well established. There is also strong evidence from both human and animal studies that early environmental factors such as maternal nutrition may influence lifespan. Interestingly, more recent studies have demonstrated that nutritional programming in early life effects immunity, such that altered lifespan can also lead to programmed changes in immune function. Here we describe the use of immunohistology and flow cytometry techniques to study two key immune lymphoid organs: one that is involved in developing immune cells (thymus) and another which is the site of immune activation (spleen).

Modeling lethal X-linked genetic disorders in pigs with ensured fertility

Genetically engineered pigs play an indispensable role in the study of rare monogenic diseases. Pigs harboring a gene responsible for a specific disease can be efficiently generated via somatic cell cloning. The generation of somatic cell-cloned pigs from male cells with mutation(s) in an X chromosomal gene is a reliable and straightforward method for reproducing X-linked genetic diseases (XLGDs) in pigs. However, the severe symptoms of XLGDs are often accompanied by impaired growth and reproductive disorders, which hinder the reproduction of these valuable model animals. Here, we generated unique chimeric boars composed of mutant cells harboring a lethal XLGD and normal cells. The chimeric boars exhibited the cured phenotype with fertility while carrying and transmitting the genotype of the XLGD. This unique reproduction system permits routine production of XLGD model pigs through the male-based breeding, thereby opening an avenue for translational research using disease model pigs.

Ets transcription factor GABP controls T cell homeostasis and immunity

Peripheral T cells are maintained in the absence of vigorous stimuli, and respond to antigenic stimulation by initiating cell cycle progression and functional differentiation. Here we show that depletion of the Ets family transcription factor GA-binding protein (GABP) in T cells impairs T-cell homeostasis. In addition, GABP is critically required for antigen-stimulated T-cell responses in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptome and genome-wide GABP-binding site analyses identify GABP direct targets encoding proteins involved in cellular redox balance and DNA replication, including the Mcm replicative helicases. These findings show that GABP has a nonredundant role in the control of T-cell homeostasis and immunity.

Periodontal and other oral manifestations of immunodeficiency diseases

The list of immunodeficiency diseases grows each year as novel disorders are discovered, classified, and sometimes reclassified due to our ever-increasing knowledge of immune system function. Although the number of patients with secondary immunodeficiencies (SIDs) greatly exceeds those with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs), the prevalence of both appears to be on the rise probably because of scientific breakthroughs that facilitate earlier and more accurate diagnosis. Primary immunodeficiencies in adults are not as rare as once thought. Globally, the main causes of secondary immunodeficiency are HIV infection and nutritional insufficiencies. Persons with acquired immune disorders such as AIDS caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are now living long and fulfilling lives as a result of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Irrespective of whether the patient's immune-deficient state is a consequence of a genetic defect or is secondary in nature, dental and medical practitioners must be aware of the constant potential for infections and/or expressions of autoimmunity in these individuals. The purpose of this review was to study the most common conditions resulting from primary and secondary immunodeficiency states, how they are classified, and the detrimental manifestations of these disorders on the periodontal and oral tissues.

Clinical, immunologic, and genetic spectrum of 696 patients with combined immunodeficiency

BACKGROUND

Combined immunodeficiencies (CIDs) are diseases of defective adaptive immunity with diverse clinical phenotypes. Although CIDs are more prevalent in the Middle East than Western countries, the resources for genetic diagnosis are limited.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to characterize the categories of patients with CIDs in Iran clinically and genetically.

METHODS

Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from 696 patients with CIDs. Patients were subdivided into those with syndromic (344 patients) and nonsyndromic (352 patients) CIDs. Targeted DNA sequencing was performed on 243 (34.9%) patients.

RESULTS

The overall diagnostic yield of the 243 sequenced patients was 77.8% (189 patients). The clinical diagnosis of hyper-IgE syndrome (P < .001), onset of disease at greater than 5 years (P = .02), and absence of multiple affected family members (P = .04) were significantly more frequent in the patients without a genetic diagnosis. An autosomal recessive disease was found in 62.9% of patients, reflecting the high rate of consanguinity in this cohort. Mutations impairing VDJ recombination and DNA repair were the most common underlying causes of CIDs. However, in patients with syndromic CIDs, autosomal recessive mutations in ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM), autosomal dominant mutations in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and microdeletions in 22q11.21 were the most commonly affected genomic loci. Patients with syndromic CIDs had a significantly lower 5-year survival rate rather than those with nonsyndromic CIDs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides proof of principle for the application of targeted next-generation sequencing panels in countries with limited diagnostic resources. The effect of genetic diagnosis on clinical care requires continued improvements in therapeutic resources for these patients.

Human CD5+ Innate Lymphoid Cells Are Functionally Immature and Their Development from CD34+ Progenitor Cells Is Regulated by Id2

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have emerged as a key cell type involved in surveillance and maintenance of mucosal tissues. Mouse ILCs rely on the transcriptional regulator Inhibitor of DNA-binding protein 2 (Id2) for their development. Here, we show that Id2 also drives development of human ILC because forced expression of Id2 in human thymic progenitors blocked T cell commitment, upregulated CD161 and promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF), and maintained CD127 expression, markers that are characteristic for human ILCs. Surprisingly CD5 was also expressed on these in vitro generated ILCs. This was not an in vitro artifact because CD5 was also found on ex vivo isolated ILCs from thymus and from umbilical cord blood. CD5 was also expressed on small proportions of ILC2 and ILC3. CD5⁺ ILCs were functionally immature, but could further differentiate into mature CD5⁻ cytokine-secreting ILCs. Our data show that Id2 governs human ILC development from thymic progenitor cells toward immature CD5⁺ ILCs.

Investigation of Genetic Defects in Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Patients from Turkey by Targeted Sequencing

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) represent a large group of disorders with an increased susceptibility to infections. Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is the most severe form of primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) with marked T-cell lymphopenia. Investigation of the genetic aetiology using classical Sanger sequencing is associated with considerable diagnostic delay. We here established a custom-designed, next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based panel to efficiently identify disease-causing genetic defects in PID patients and applied this method in SCID patients of Turkish origin with previously undefined genetic aetiology. We used HaloPlex enrichment technology, a targeted, NGS-based method which was designed to diagnose patients with SCID and other PIDs. Our HaloPlex panel included a total of 356 PID-related genes, and we searched disease-causing mutations in 19 Turkish SCID patients without a genetic diagnosis. The coverage of targeted regions ranged from 97.47% to 99.62% with an average of 98.31% for all patients. All known SCID genes were covered with a percentage of at least 97.3%. We made a genetic diagnosis in six of 19 (33%) patients, including four novel disease-causing mutations identified in RAG1, JAK3 and IL2RG, respectively. We showed that this NGS-based method can provide rapid genetic diagnosis for patients suffering from SCID, potentially facilitating clinical treatment decisions.

The immunological function of CD52 and its targeting in organ transplantation

INTRODUCTION

CD52 (Campath-1 antigen), a glycoprotein of 12 amino acids anchored to glycosylphosphatidylinositol, is widely expressed on the cell surface of immune cells, such as mature lymphocytes, natural killer cells (NK), eosinophils, neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs). The anti-CD52 mAb, alemtuzumab, was used widely in clinics for the treatment of patients such as organ transplantation. In the present manuscript, we will briefly summarize the immunological function of CD52 and discuss the application of anti-CD52 mAb in transplantation settings.

FINDINGS

We reviewed studies published until July 2016 to explore the role of CD52 in immune cell function and its implication in organ transplantation. We showed that ligation of cell surface CD52 molecules may offer costimulatory signals for T-cell activation and proliferation. However, soluble CD52 molecules will interact with the inhibitory sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 10 (Siglec10) to significantly inhibit T cell proliferation and activation. Although the physiological and pathological significances of CD52 molecules are still poorly understood, the anti-CD52 mAb, alemtuzumab, was used widely for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, autoimmune diseases as well as cell and organ transplantation in clinics.

CONCLUSION

Studies clearly showed that CD52 can modulate T-cell activation either by its intracellular signal pathways or by the interaction of soluble CD52 and Siglec-10 expressing on T cells. However, the regulatory functions of CD52 on other immune cell subpopulations in organ transplantation require to be studied in the near future.

The effects of aging and maternal protein restriction during lactation on thymic involution and peripheral immunosenescence in adult mice

Environmental factors such as nutrition during early life can influence long-term health, a concept termed developmental programming. Initial research was focused towards the effects on metabolic health but more recent studies have demonstrated effects on parameters such as lifespan and immunity. In this study we report that maternal protein restriction during lactation in mice, that is known to prolong lifespan, slows aging of the central and peripheral immune systems. Offspring of dams fed a postnatal low-protein (PLP) diet during lactation had a significant increase in thymic cellularity and T cell numbers across their lifespan compared to controls, and a less marked age-associated decrease in thymocyte cluster of differentiation (CD) 3 expression. PLP animals also demonstrated increased relative splenic cellularity, increased naïve: memory CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell ratios, increased staining and density of germinal centres, and decreased gene expression of p16 in the spleen, a robust biomarker of aging. A slower rate of splenic aging in PLP animals would be expected to result in decreased susceptibility to infection and neoplasia. In conclusion nutritionally-induced slow postnatal growth leads to delayed aging of the adaptive immune system, which may contribute towards the extended lifespan observed in these animals.

Primary immunodeficiencies suggest redundancy within the human immune system

Pathogen-driven evolution has shaped the complexity of the human immune system. Our genome contains at least 1854 gene products involved in immune responses. However, the redundancy and robustness of the immune system need further characterization. One way to examine this redundancy is through the study of monogenic primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) associated with infections. Causal mutations affecting innate immunity genes are, in relative terms, close to seven times less frequent than those affecting adaptive immunity genes in PIDs. Loss-of-function mutations of innate immunity genes encoding pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) and associated pathways rarely cause susceptibility to infections, which suggests that PRR pathways are partially redundant in the immune responses to infection. This dispensability has also been observed for constitutive products of the immune system, such as secretory immunoglobulin A, and for innate immune cells, such as natural killer and innate lymphoid cell subsets, which are not essential for viability. This Review discusses these findings in the context of their implications for the identification of previously unknown classes of PIDs and assessment of the susceptibility to infection associated with various targeted immunotherapies.

Evidence of innate lymphoid cell redundancy in humans

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have potent immune functions in experimental conditions in mice, but their contribution to immunity in natural conditions in humans remains unclear. We investigated the presence of ILCs in a cohort of patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). All ILC subsets were absent in SCID patients carrying mutations of IL2RG or JAK3. T cell reconstitution was observed in SCID patients upon hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), but the patients still exhibited drastic reduction of ILCs in the absence of myeloablation, at the exception of rare cases of ILC1 reconstitution. Remarkably, the observed ILC deficiencies were not associated with any particular susceptibility to disease, with a follow-up extending from 7 to 39 years after HSCT. We thus report here the first cases of selective ILC deficiency in humans, and show that ILCs may be dispensable in natural conditions, if T cells are present and B cell function is preserved.

Mutations in linker for activation of T cells (LAT) lead to a novel form of severe combined immunodeficiency

BACKGROUND

Signaling through the T-cell receptor (TCR) is critical for T-cell development and function. Linker for activation of T cells (LAT) is a transmembrane adaptor signaling molecule that is part of the TCR complex and essential for T-cell development, as demonstrated by LAT-deficient mice, which show a complete lack of peripheral T cells.

OBJECTIVE

We describe a pedigree affected by a severe combined immunodeficiency phenotype with absent T cells and normal B-cell and natural killer cell numbers. A novel homozygous frameshift mutation in the gene encoding for LAT was identified in this kindred.

METHODS

Genetic, molecular, and functional analyses were used to identify and characterize the LAT defect. Clinical and immunologic analysis of patients was also performed and reported.

RESULTS

Homozygosity mapping was used to identify potential defective genes. Sanger sequencing of the LAT gene showed a mutation that resulted in a premature stop codon and protein truncation leading to complete loss of function and loss of expression of LAT in the affected family members. We also demonstrate loss of LAT expression and lack of TCR signaling restoration in LAT-deficient cell lines reconstituted with a synthetic LAT gene bearing this severe combined immunodeficiency mutation.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, the results of this study show that inherited LAT deficiency should be considered in patients with combined immunodeficiency with T-cell abnormalities.

Adoptive transfer of osteoclast-expanded natural killer cells for immunotherapy targeting cancer stem-like cells in humanized mice

Based on data obtained from oral, pancreatic and lung cancers, glioblastoma, and melanoma, we have established that natural killer (NK) cells target cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). CSCs displaying low MHC class I, CD54, and PD-L1 are killed by cytotoxic NK cells and are differentiated by split anergized NK cells through both membrane bound and secreted forms of TNF-α and IFN-γ. NK cells select and differentiate both healthy and transformed stem-like cells, resulting in target cell maturation and shaping of their microenvironment. In our recent studies, we have observed that oral, pancreatic, and melanoma CSCs were capable of forming large tumors in humanized bone marrow, liver, thymus (hu-BLT) mice with fully reconstituted human immune system. In addition, major human immune subsets including NK cells, T cells, B cells, and monocytes were present in the spleen, bone marrow, peripheral blood, and tumor microenvironment. Similar to our previously published in vitro data, CSCs differentiated with split anergized NK cells prior to implantation in mice formed smaller tumors. Intravenous injection of functionally potent osteoclast-expanded NK cells inhibited tumor growth through differentiation of CSCs in humanized mice. In this review, we present current approaches, advances, and existing limitations in studying interactions of the immune system with the tumor, in particular NK cells with CSCs, using in vivo preclinical hu-BLT mouse model. In addition, we discuss the use of osteoclast-expanded NK cells in targeting cancer stem-like tumors in humanized mice-a strategy that provides a much-needed platform to develop effective cancer immunotherapies.

Primary Immunodeficiencies and Inflammatory Disease: A Growing Genetic Intersection

Recent advances in genome analysis have provided important insights into the genetic architecture of infectious and inflammatory diseases. The combined analysis of loci detected by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in 22 inflammatory diseases has revealed a shared genetic core and associated biochemical pathways that play a central role in pathological inflammation. Parallel whole-exome sequencing studies have identified 265 genes mutated in primary immunodeficiencies (PID). Here, we examine the overlap between these two data sets, and find that it consists of genes essential for protection against infections and in which persistent activation causes pathological inflammation. Based on this intersection, we propose that, although strong or inactivating mutations (rare variants) in these genes may cause severe disease (PIDs), their more subtle modulation potentially by common regulatory/coding variants may contribute to chronic inflammation.

Temporal protein expression pattern in intracellular signalling cascade during T-cell activation: a computational study

Various T-cell co-receptor molecules and calcium channel CRAC play a pivotal role in the maintenance of cell's functional responses by regulating the production of effector molecules (mostly cytokines) that aids in immune clearance and also maintaining the cell in a functionally active state. Any defect in these co-receptor signalling pathways may lead to an altered expression pattern of the effector molecules. To study the propagation of such defects with time and their effect on the intracellular protein expression patterns, a comprehensive and largest pathway map of T-cell activation network is reconstructed manually. The entire pathway reactions are then translated using logical equations and simulated using the published time series microarray expression data as inputs. After validating the model, the effect of in silico knock down of co-receptor molecules on the expression patterns of their downstream proteins is studied and simultaneously the changes in the phenotypic behaviours of the T-cell population are predicted, which shows significant variations among the proteins expression and the signalling routes through which the response is propagated in the cytoplasm. This integrative computational approach serves as a valuable technique to study the changes in protein expression patterns and helps to predict variations in the cellular behaviour.

Severe combined immunodeficiencies and related disorders

Severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCIDs) comprise a group of rare, monogenic diseases that are characterized by an early onset and a profound block in the development of T lymphocytes. Given that adaptive immunity is abrogated, patients with SCID are prone to recurrent infections caused by both non-opportunistic and opportunistic pathogens, leading to early death unless immunity can be restored. Several molecular defects causing SCIDs have been identified, along with many other defects causing profound, albeit incomplete, T cell immunodeficiencies; the latter are referred to as atypical SCIDs or combined immunodeficiencies. The pathophysiology of many of these conditions has now been characterized. Early, accurate and precise diagnosis combined with the ongoing implementation of newborn screening have enabled major advances in the care of infants with SCID, including better outcomes of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Gene therapy is also becoming an effective option. Further advances and a progressive extension of the indications for gene therapy can be expected in the future. The assessment of long-term outcomes of patients with SCID is now a major challenge, with a view to evaluating the quality and sustainability of immune restoration, the risks of sequelae and the ability to relieve the non-haematopoietic syndromic manifestations that accompany some of these conditions.

AK2 deficiency compromises the mitochondrial energy metabolism required for differentiation of human neutrophil and lymphoid lineages

Reticular dysgenesis is a human severe combined immunodeficiency that is primarily characterized by profound neutropenia and lymphopenia. The condition is caused by mutations in the adenylate kinase 2 (AK2) gene, resulting in the loss of mitochondrial AK2 protein expression. AK2 regulates the homeostasis of mitochondrial adenine nucleotides (ADP, ATP and AMP) by catalyzing the transfer of high-energy phosphate. Our present results demonstrate that AK2-knocked-down progenitor cells have poor proliferative and survival capacities and are blocked in their differentiation toward lymphoid and granulocyte lineages. We also observed that AK2 deficiency impaired mitochondrial function in general and oxidative phosphorylation in particular - showing that AK2 is critical in the control of energy metabolism. Loss of AK2 disrupts this regulation and leads to a profound block in lymphoid and myeloid cell differentiation.

Reticular dysgenesis-associated AK2 protects hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell development from oxidative stress

Rissone et al. demonstrate that adenylate kinase AK2, an enzyme mutated in reticular dysgenesis (RD) in humans, prevents oxidative stress during hematopoiesis. Using a zebrafish model, as well as induced pluripotent stem cells derived from an RD patient, they find that AK2 deficiency affects hematopoietic stem and progenitor development with increased oxidative stress. Antioxidant treatment rescues the hematopoietic phenotypes.

Adenylate kinases (AKs) are phosphotransferases that regulate the cellular adenine nucleotide composition and play a critical role in the energy homeostasis of all tissues. The AK2 isoenzyme is expressed in the mitochondrial intermembrane space and is mutated in reticular dysgenesis (RD), a rare form of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) in humans. RD is characterized by a maturation arrest in the myeloid and lymphoid lineages, leading to early onset, recurrent, and overwhelming infections. To gain insight into the pathophysiology of RD, we studied the effects of AK2 deficiency using the zebrafish model and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from fibroblasts of an RD patient. In zebrafish, Ak2 deficiency affected hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) development with increased oxidative stress and apoptosis. AK2-deficient iPSCs recapitulated the characteristic myeloid maturation arrest at the promyelocyte stage and demonstrated an increased AMP/ADP ratio, indicative of an energy-depleted adenine nucleotide profile. Antioxidant treatment rescued the hematopoietic phenotypes in vivo in ak2 mutant zebrafish and restored differentiation of AK2-deficient iPSCs into mature granulocytes. Our results link hematopoietic cell fate in AK2 deficiency to cellular energy depletion and increased oxidative stress. This points to the potential use of antioxidants as a supportive therapeutic modality for patients with RD.

T cell expansion is the limiting factor of virus control in mice with attenuated TCR signaling: implications for human immunodeficiency

Defining the minimal thresholds for effective antiviral T cell immunity is important for clinical decisions in immunodeficient patients. TCR signaling is critical for T cell development, activation, and effector functions. In this article, we analyzed which of these TCR-mediated processes is limiting for antiviral immunity in a mouse strain with reduced expression of SLP-76 (twp mice). Despite severe T cell activation defects in vitro, twp mice generated a normal proportion of antiviral effector T cells postinfection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Twp CD8(+) T cells showed impaired polyfunctional cytokine production, whereas cytotoxicity as the crucial antiviral effector function for LCMV control was normal. The main limiting factor in the antiviral response of twp mice was impaired T cell proliferation and survival, leading to a 5- to 10-fold reduction of antiviral T cells at the peak of the immune response. This was still sufficient to control infection with the LCMV Armstrong strain, but the more rapidly replicating LCMV-WE induced T cell exhaustion and viral persistence. Thus, under conditions of impaired TCR signaling, reduced T cell expansion was the limiting factor in antiviral immunity. These findings have implications for understanding antiviral immunity in patients with T cell deficiencies.

Successful treatment for West syndrome with severe combined immunodeficiency

Several immune mechanisms are suspected in the unknown etiology of West syndrome (WS). We report a male infant who suffered from WS and X-linked T-B+NK- severe combined immunodeficiency (X-SCID) with a missense mutation of the IL2RG gene (c.202G>A, p.Glu68Lys). He promptly began vitamin B6 and valproic acid treatment, but infantile spasms (IS) and hypsarrhythmia persisted. Administration of intravenous immunoglobulin and the change to topiramate (TPM) at 7 months of age resulted in the rapid resolution of IS. The CD4/8 ratio in his peripheral blood increased from 0.04-0.09 to 0.20-1.95 following unrelated cord blood transplantation (UCBT). In vitro lymphocyte proliferation in response to phytohemagglutinin or concanavalin A and the ability of B lymphocytes to produce antibodies improved as well. Electroencephalogram findings became normal 1 month after UCBT. Thus, we consider that T-cell dysfunction and/or impairments in T-B cell interactions due to X-SCID may have played important roles in the onset of WS. Immune-modulating therapies along with the administration of TPM effectively treated this severe epileptic syndrome in our patient.

TOX2 regulates human natural killer cell development by controlling T-BET expression

Thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box protein family member 2 (TOX2) is a transcription factor belonging to the TOX family that shares a highly conserved high mobility group DNA-binding domain with the other TOX members. Although TOX1 has been shown to be an essential regulator of T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell differentiation in mice, little is known about the roles of the other TOX family members in lymphocyte development, particularly in humans. In this study, we found that TOX2 was preferentially expressed in mature human NK cells (mNK) and was upregulated during in vitro differentiation of NK cells from human umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived CD34(+) cells. Gene silencing of TOX2 intrinsically hindered the transition between early developmental stages of NK cells, whereas overexpression of TOX2 enhanced the development of mNK cells from UCB CD34(+) cells. We subsequently found that TOX2 was independent of ETS-1 but could directly upregulate the transcription of TBX21 (encoding T-BET). Overexpression of T-BET rescued the TOX2 knockdown phenotypes. Given the essential function of T-BET in NK cell differentiation, TOX2 therefore plays a crucial role in controlling normal NK cell development by acting upstream of TBX21 transcriptional regulation.

Patients with T⁺/low NK⁺ IL-2 receptor γ chain deficiency have differentially-impaired cytokine signaling resulting in severe combined immunodeficiency

X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (X-SCID) leads to a T(-) NK(-) B(+) immunophenotype and is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the IL-2 receptor γ-chain (IL2RG). IL2RG(R222C) leads to atypical SCID with a severe early onset phenotype despite largely normal NK- and T-cell numbers. To address this discrepancy, we performed a detailed analysis of T, B, and NK cells, including quantitative STAT phosphorylation and functional responses to the cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-15, and IL-21 in a patient with the IL2RG(R222C) mutation. Moreover, we identified nine additional unpublished patients with the same mutations, all with a full SCID phenotype, and confirmed selected immunological observations. T-cell development was variably affected, but led to borderline T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC) levels and a normal repertoire. T cells showed moderately reduced proliferation, failing enhancement by IL-2. While NK-cell development was normal, IL-2 enhancement of NK-cell degranulation and IL-15-induced cytokine production were absent. IL-2 or IL-21 failed to enhance B-cell proliferation and plasmablast differentiation. These functional alterations were reflected by a differential impact of IL2RG(R222C) on cytokine signal transduction, with a gradient IL-4<IL-2/IL-15<IL-21. Thus, IL2RG(R222C) causes a consistently severe clinical phenotype that is not predicted by the variable and moderate impairment of T-cell immunity or TREC analysis.