Case Report: Atypical Manifestations Associated With FOXP3 Mutations. The “Fil Rouge” of Treg Between IPEX Features and Other Clinical Entities?

IgG4-related disease and B-cell malignancy due to an IKZF1 gain-of-function variant

BACKGROUND

Monoallelic loss-of-function IKZF1 (IKAROS) variants cause B-cell deficiency or combined immunodeficiency, whereas monoallelic gain-of-function (GOF) IKZF1 variants have recently been reported to cause hypergammaglobulinemia, abnormal plasma cell differentiation, autoimmune and allergic manifestations, and infections.

OBJECTIVE

We studied 7 relatives with autoimmune/inflammatory and lymphoproliferative manifestations to identify the immunologic disturbances and the genetic cause of their disease.

METHODS

We analyzed biopsy results and performed whole-exome sequencing and immunologic studies.

RESULTS

Disease onset occurred at a mean age of 25.2 years (range, 10-64, years). Six patients suffered from autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, 4 had confirmed IG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), and 5 developed B-cell malignancies: lymphoma in 4 and multiple myeloma in the remaining patient. Patients without immunosuppression were not particularly prone to infectious diseases. Three patients suffered from life-threatening coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia, of whom 1 had autoantibodies neutralizing IFN-α. The recently described IKZF1 GOF p.R183H variant was found in the 5 affected relatives tested and in a 6-year-old asymptomatic girl. Immunologic analysis revealed hypergammaglobulinemia and high frequencies of certain lymphocyte subsets (exhausted B cells, effector memory CD4 T cells, effector memory CD4 T cells that have regained surface expression of CD45RA and CD28-CD57+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, TH2, and Tfh2 cells) attesting to immune dysregulation. Partial clinical responses to rituximab and corticosteroids were observed, and treatment with lenalidomide, which promotes IKAROS degradation, was initiated in 3 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Heterozygosity for GOF IKZF1 variants underlies autoimmunity/inflammatory diseases, IgG4-RD, and B-cell malignancies, the onset of which may occur in adulthood. Clinical and immunologic data are similar to those for patients with unexplained IgG4-RD. Patients may therefore benefit from treatments inhibiting pathways displaying IKAROS-mediated overactivity.

Recurrent fever of unknown origin and unexplained bacteremia in a patient with a novel 4.5 Mb microdeletion in Xp11.23-p11.22

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) remains a formidable diagnostic challenge in the field of medicine. Numerous studies suggest an association between FUO and genetic factors, including chromosomal abnormalities. Here, we report a female patient with a 4.5 Mb Xp microdeletion, who presented with recurrent FUO, bacteremia, colitis, and hematochezia. To elucidate the underlying pathogenic mechanism, we employed a comprehensive approach involving single cell RNA sequencing, T cell receptor sequencing, and flow cytometry to evaluate CD4 T cells. Analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells revealed augmented Th1, Th2, and Th17 cell populations, and elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines in serum. Notably, the patient exhibited impaired Treg cell function, possibly related to deletion of genes encoding FOPX3 and WAS. Single cell analysis revealed specific expansion of cytotoxic CD4 T lymphocytes, characterized by upregulation of various signature genes associated with cytotoxicity. Moreover, interferon-stimulated genes were upregulated in the CD4 T effector memory cluster. Further genetic analysis confirmed maternal inheritance of the Xp microdeletion. The patient and her mother exhibited X chromosome-skewed inactivation, a potential protective mechanism against extensive X chromosome deletions; however, the mother exhibited complete skewing and the patient exhibited incomplete skewing (85:15), which may have contributed to emergence of immunological symptoms. In summary, this case report describes an exceptional instance of FUO stemming from an incompletely inactivated X chromosome microdeletion, thereby increasing our understanding of the genetics underpinning FUO.

IPEX syndrome from diagnosis to cure, learning along the way

In the past 2 decades, a significant number of studies have been published describing the molecular and clinical aspects of immune dysregulation polyendocrinopathy enteropathy X-linked (IPEX) syndrome. These studies have refined our knowledge of this rare yet prototypic genetic autoimmune disease, advancing the diagnosis, broadening the clinical spectrum, and improving our understanding of the underlying immunologic mechanisms. Despite these advances, Forkhead box P3 mutations have devastating consequences, and treating patients with IPEX syndrome remains a challenge, even with safer strategies for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and gene therapy becoming a promising reality. The aim of this review was to highlight novel features of the disease to further advance awareness and improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with IPEX syndrome.

Underlying IPEX syndrome in a patient with idiopathic juvenile arthritis and vitiligo

BACKGROUND

IPEX syndrome is an X-linked inborn error of immunity clinically characterized by the triad of: enteropathy, polyendocrinopathy and eczema. However many other clinical presentations lacking the triad above described have been reported what underpin the need of careful clinical suspicion, immunological evaluation and genetic sequencing.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here we report a case of a Brazilian boy with severe eczema as the first and only presentation requiring cyclosporin therapy. Progressive and cumulative symptoms of arthritis and enteropathy lead to the suspicion of an inborn error of immunity. Peripheral FOXP3 expression was normal (CD127-/CD4+/CD25+/FOXP3+-396 cells-63%) and a pathogenic mutation in FOXP3 gene (c.1150G>A; p.Ala384Thr), confirmed the diagnosis of IPEX syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

IPEX syndrome should be suspected in patients presenting with severe eczema associated or not with other autoimmune/hyper inflammatory diseases in life. Our study also reinforces that FOXP3 expression by flowcytometry seems not to be a good screening method, and genetic sequencing is mandatory even in those with high suspicion and normal peripheral FOXP3 expression.