Association of mannose-binding lectin, ficolin-2 and immunoglobulin concentrations with future exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: secondary analysis of the randomized controlled REDUCE trial

BACKGROUND

The innate and adaptive immune system is involved in the airway inflammation associated with acute exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We evaluated the association of mannose-binding lectin (MBL), immunoglobulin (Ig) and ficolin-2 concentrations with COPD exacerbations and according to the glucocorticoid treatment duration for an index exacerbation.

METHODS

Post-hoc analysis of the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled REDUCE trial of 5 vs. 14 days of glucocorticoid treatment for an index exacerbation. MBL, ficolin-2 and total IgG/IgA and subclass concentrations were determined in stored samples drawn (n = 178) 30 days after the index exacerbation and associated with the risk of re-exacerbation during a 180-day follow-up period.

RESULTS

IgG and subclass concentrations were significantly lower after 14 days vs. 5 days of glucocorticoid treatment. Patients with higher MBL concentrations were more likely to suffer from a future exacerbation (multivariable hazard ratio 1.03 per 200 ng/ml increase (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-1.06), p = 0.048), whereas ficolin-2 and IgG deficiency were not associated. The risk was most pronounced in patients with high MBL concentrations, IgG deficiency and 14 days of glucocorticoid treatment pointing towards an interactive effect of MBL and IgG deficiency in the presence of prolonged glucocorticoid treatment duration [Relative excess risk due to interaction 2.13 (95% CI - 0.41-4.66, p = 0.10)]. IgG concentrations were significantly lower in patients with frequent re-exacerbations (IgG, 7.81 g/L vs. 9.53 g/L, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

MBL modified the short-term exacerbation risk after a recent acute exacerbation of COPD, particularly in the setting of concurrent IgG deficiency and recent prolonged systemic glucocorticoid treatment. Ficolin-2 did not emerge as a predictor of a future exacerbation risk.

Clinical and Immunological Features of 78 Adult Patients with Primary Selective IgG Subclass Deficiencies

The purpose of this study is to describe both clinical and immunological features in large cohort of adult patients with IgG subclass deficiency, and response to immunoglobulin therapy. This is a retrospective study of data obtained from electronic medical records and paper charts of 78 patients with IgG subclass deficiency seen and followed at our immunology clinics from 2010 to 2016. Both isolated selective IgG subclass deficiency as well as combined (two) subclass deficiencies were observed. IgG3 subclass deficiency, isolated and in combination with other IgG subclass deficiency, is the most frequent of IgG subclass deficiency. A majority of patients presented with upper and lower respiratory tract infections, especially chronic sinusitis. Both allergic and autoimmune manifestations are common; however, there is no subclass preference. The proportions and absolute numbers of CD3⁺ T cells, CD4⁺ T and CD8⁺ T cells, CD19⁺ B cells, and CD3^-CD16⁺CD56⁺ NK cells were normal in the majority of patients in all IgG subclass deficiencies. Total serum IgG levels did not correlate with IgG subclass levels across all IgG subclass deficiencies. Anti-pneumococcal polysaccharide antibody responses were impaired in 56% of patients. IgG3 subclass deficiency is the most common IgG subclass deficiency, and anti-polysaccharide antibody responses are distributed among IgG subclasses with modest preference in IgG2 subclass. The majority of patients treated with immunoglobulin responded by reduction in frequency of infections and requirement of antibiotics.

Duration of frequent or severe respiratory tract infection in adults before diagnosis of IgG subclass deficiency

Many adults with IgG subclass deficiency (IgGSD) experience long intervals of frequent/severe respiratory tract infection before IgGSD diagnosis, but reasons for delays in IgGSD diagnoses are incompletely understood. We performed a retrospective study of 300 white adults (ages ≥18 y) with IgGSD including frequency analyses of age at IgGSD diagnosis, duration of frequent/severe respiratory tract infection before IgGSD diagnosis, and age at onset of frequent/severe infection (calculated). We performed multivariable regressions on age at diagnosis, infection duration, and age at infection onset using these variables, as appropriate: sex; age at diagnosis; diabetes; autoimmune condition(s); atopy; allergy; corticosteroid use; body mass index; serum immunoglobulin isotype levels; blood lymphocyte subsets; three IgGSD-associated human leukocyte antigen-A and -B haplotypes; and referring physician specialties. Mean age at diagnosis was 50 ± 12 (standard deviation) y (median 50 y (range 19–79)). There were 247 women (82.3%). Mean infection duration at IgGSD diagnosis was 12 ± 13 y (median 7 y (range 1–66)). Mean age at infection onset was 38 ± 16 y (median 38 y (range 4, 76)). Age at infection onset was ≥18 y in 95.7% of subjects. Regressions on age at diagnosis and infection duration revealed no significant associations. Regression on age at infection onset revealed one positive association: age at diagnosis (p <0.0001). We conclude that the median duration of frequent/severe respiratory tract infection in adults before IgGSD diagnosis was 7 y. Older adults may be diagnosed to have IgGSD after longer intervals of infection than younger adults. Duration of frequent/severe respiratory tract infection before IgGSD diagnosis was not significantly associated with routine clinical and laboratory variables, including referring physician specialties.

Overcoming recurrent spontaneous abortions in women suffering from IgG subclass deficiency: high efficiency of low dose intravenous immunoglobulins treatment

PROBLEM

It's well known that iv. immunoglobulins may be useful to overcome habitual abortions, but the mechanisms at the base of a successful outcome and the likelihoods are still unknown.

METHOD OF STUDY

In one hundred and sixty women with habitual abortions and one hundred and sixty healthy mothers, we evaluated blood IgG subclasses; among the patients, sixteen merely showed IgG subclass deficiency, after leaving out any autoimmunity and/or coagulation disorders. All the patients (100%) showed IgG3, twelve (75%) IgG1, eight (50%) IgG4 and six (37,5%) IgG2 deficiency; healthy control people's IgG subclasses fell in normal range in 156 women, but just four women showed IgG2 and IgG4 deficiency with neither immune deficiency's clinical marks nor increased vulnerability to infections. All the patients were treated with whole immunoglobulins iv. infusion (200 mg/kg/monthly) all over the pregnancy.

RESULTS

The successful pregnancy rate is very high (>90%): 100% out of women showing IgG1 (12/12), 87,5% of IgG3 (14/16), 75% of IgG4 (6/8) and 66% of IgG2 deficiency (4/6) had successful pregnancies. The Odd's Ratio between IgG subclass deficiency and recurrent abortions is 4,33 with confidence interval of 95%; chi square value is 7.68 (p<0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Low dose immunoglobulin infusion is the only effective way to reach successful pregnancy, despite previous habitual abortions in patients suffering from IgG subclass deficiency without autoimmunity and/or coagulation disorders, likely restoring idiotype-antiidiotype network; showing evidence of IgG subclasses deficiency (mostly IgG1 and IgG3) may help identify patients who can benefit from iv. immunoglobulin treatment.

[Sinonasal polyposis associated with a deficiency subclass immunoglobulin G: Place of substitution immunoglobulins]

PURPOSE

To study the effect of the introduction of a substitution by intravenous Immunoglobulins (Ig IV) at patients with immunoglobulins G (IgG) subclasses deficiency and nasal polyposis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective study concerning five patients with IgG subclasses deficiency and nasal polyposis treated by Ig IV. Rhinologic, otologic and pulmonary symptoms, exacerbations of nasal polyposis, chronic otitis and asthma as well as the number of antibiotics and corticoids treatments were counted during the Ig IV substitution.

OBJECTIVES

To study the association between IgIV substitution and the number of exacerbations of nasal polyposis, chronic otitis, asthma and the number of antibiotics and corticoids treatments in patients with IgG subclasses deficiency and nasal polyposis.

RESULTS

Five patients with a IgG subclass deficiency and nasal polyposis were substituted. The number of antibiotics and corticoids cures increased at one patient and remained stable at four others. The number of sinus, ear and lung infections as well as the global rhinologic score of symptoms and the endoscopic stage of the nasal polyposis remained stable. In the absence of efficiency of the treatment, this one was interrupted at the end of 6 months for patients n° 1 and n° 3, 24 months for patient n° 4 and 42 months for patient n° 5.

CONCLUSION

The current study failed to highlight clinical improvement in patients wih IgG subclasses deficiency and nasal polyposis treated by Ig IV. A previous study had not allowed to find a link between IgG subclasses deficiency and severity of nasal polyposis, what seems to be confirmed by the absence of improvement brought during the substitution of this deficit in the current study.

Clinical and laboratory evaluation of periodically monitored Turkish children with IgG subclass deficiencies

IgG subclass deficiencies are common immune system disorders during childhood. The aim of this retrospective study was to review clinical findings and laboratory results of patients with IgG subclass deficiencies in order to determine the changes in serum IgG subclass levels during follow-up, the percentage and time span until normalization of the IgG subclass levels to age-corresponding normal levels, the type of infections incurred and the benefits of prophylaxis. Among the 59 pediatric patients reviewed, the most frequent defect was an IgG3 subclass deficiency (77%). Nine percent of the patients had an isolated IgG2 deficiency and 14% had an IgG2+G3 deficiency. The most common clinical presentations were recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, followed by pneumonia, acute gastroenteritis and urinary tract infections. Atopy was present in 15% of the patients. Ninety percent of the patients were given a prophylactic treatment (benzathine penicillin, oral antibiotics, oral bacterial lysate or intravenous immunoglobulin). The frequency of recurrent infections decreased from 13.4 +/- 7.4 per year to 5.7 +/- 3.9 in patients receiving a prophylactic regimen. Serum IgG subclass levels reached normal ranges in 30% of the patients in the IgG3 deficiency group and in 35.7% of the patients in the IgG2+G3 deficiency group. Patients with an isolated IgG2 deficiency did not reach age-related normal levels during the study period. Our study shows that IgG subclass levels may normalize in 30 to 40% of patients at about 6 years of age. We emphasize the need of monitoring IgG levels together with the clinical symptomatology in affected individuals and initiate preventive measures when appropriate.

Selective IgM deficiency accompanied with IgG4 deficiency, dermal complications and a bronchial polyp

BACKGROUND

IgM deficiency is a rare primary immunodeficiency. As few studies of selective IgM deficiency have been reported among the various other types of primary immunodeficiencies, the detailed pathogenesis of this disorder remains to be elucidated.

CASE SUMMARY

We clinically analyzed a 37-year-old woman who presented with IgM and IgG4 deficiency and ectopic bronchial pneumonia, and investigated immunological functions. Occlusive pneumonia was repeatedly observed in the right S6 area, and bronchoscopy revealed a polyp in the right B6 orifice, which was later identified as a fibroepithelial polyp after transbronchial endoscopic polypectomy. Two months later, pneumonia involving the right inferior lobe developed. Systemic erythema and pigmentation with bleb formation were also observed on the skin, and were thought to be drug-induced exanthema following a biopsy. Serum levels of IgM and IgG4 were extremely low at 3.0mg/dl and less than 2.0mg/dl, respectively. Circulating CD20 positive B cells were mildly reduced and memory B cells were markedly decreased. The majority of B cells expressed IgM on their surface. There were no abnormalities in cell counts of neutrophils, T cells, NK cells and monocytes. Chemotaxins, bactericidal activity and phagocytosis of neutrophils were normal.

DISCUSSION

There have been no case reports of selective IgM deficiency with concurrent IgG4 deficiency, various dermal symptoms and a bronchial polyp, as demonstrated in our patient.

Chronic glomerulonephritis associated with IgG subclass deficiency

We experienced two patients with IgG subclass deficiency who suffered from chronic glomerulonephritis (GN). Patient 1 was a 17-year-old girl with IgG subclass deficiency (combined deficiency of IgG2 and IgG4). Renal biopsy was performed when she was aged 16 years, and she was diagnosed with membranoproliferative GN. Patient 2 was a 16-year-old girl with IgG subclass deficiency (combined deficiency of IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4). Renal biopsy was performed when she was aged 15 years, and she was diagnosed with membranous nephropathy. We examined the glomerular deposition patterns of their IgG subclasses. Furthermore, we compared their clinical and laboratory findings with those of three patients with IgG subclass deficiency without GN. Patients with GN suffered infections more frequently than those without GN. The serum levels of IgG (especially IgG1) and IgM were higher in patients with GN than in those without GN. In patient 1 IgG1 and IgG3 were deposited in a mesangiocapillary pattern, but, in patient 2, only IgG1 was deposited in a capillary pattern. Thus, the different patterns of IgG subclass deficiency between the two patients may be responsible for their different glomerular pathologies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of chronic GN in patients with IgG subclass deficiency.

Chronic diarrhea and abnormal serum immunoglobulin levels: a case report

A 15-year-old Thai boy with multiple episodes of chronic diarrhea caused by giardiasis with hypogammaglobulin M and IgG4 subclass deficiency (but normal antibody response to rabies vaccine) is reported. Immune status follow-up is necessary for a definite diagnosis and proper management.

Enterobacterial 38-kDa outer membrane protein is an age-dependent molecular marker of innate immunity and immunoglobulin deficiency as results from its reactivity with IgG and IgA antibody

In earlier studies on an animal model we observed protective properties of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of Shigella, Hafnia, and Escherichia coli strains. In order to investigate human sera for reactivity with OMPs we subjected these proteins to immunoblotting with umbilical cord plasma and sera from children and adults. The IgG and IgA antibodies interacted primarily with a 38-kDa protein, in similar way for several enterobacterial strains, but different for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This observation prompted us to determine the reactivity with the purified 38-kDa OMP in the sera of several groups of children. The reactivity of the protein from Shigella flexneri serotype 3a with sera in ELISA was age dependent, increasing from low reactivity in infants to the adult antibody level. The IgG and IgA antibody specific response thus revealed the normal pattern of immunity. The level of IgA and IgG antibody was significantly low in child patients with IgA and/or IgG immunoglobulin deficiencies, but was at the healthy control level in children with recurrent respiratory tract inflammation. These data correlated with total IgA and IgG levels in immunoglobulin-deficient children. The results indicate that this protein may serve as an immunodiagnostic marker, but also as an antigen carrier in vaccines.

Isolated IgG3 deficiency in children: to treat or not to treat? Case presentation and review of the literature

Immunoglobulin G3 (IgG3) subclass deficiency has received rather little attention thus far. In this report, the clinical and immunologic characteristics of six children with isolated IgG3 deficiency are discussed. The currently available literature on IgG3 deficiency is reviewed with specific emphasis on the peculiarities of the IgG3 subclass, the clinical relevance of IgG3 deficiency as well as the therapeutic options.

Chronic urticaria sera increase basophil CD203c expression

BACKGROUND

Approximately 40% of patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria have antibodies to the alpha subunit of the high-affinity IgE receptor. CD203c is a basophil activation marker known to be upregulated by cross-linking of the FcepsilonRIalpha receptor and may serve as a useful marker to identify these patients.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective was to assess the affect of sera from patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria on basophil CD203c expression. Secondary objectives were to correlate CD203c expression with basophil histamine release and size of the autologous serum skin test and to determine whether the mechanism is mediated by an IgG antibody.

METHODS

Sera were obtained from patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria and positive autologous serum skin test or negative autologous serum skin test and normal controls. Sera were incubated with donor whole blood. Activated basophils from whole blood were identified by flow cytometry on the basis of the presence of CD203c on high-expressing IgE positive cells.

RESULTS

Incubation of donor basophils with sera from patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria and positive autologous serum skin test demonstrated significant upregulation of CD203c. IgG depletion of representative sera from patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria resulted in significant decrease in CD203c expression on donor basophils. CD203c expression correlated with basophil histamine release and the size of the autologous serum skin test.

CONCLUSION

Sera from patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria and positive autologous serum skin test significantly upregulate basophil CD203c and correlate with basophil histamine release.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

This article describes an activation marker on basophils whose expression is increased by sera from patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria.

IgA deficiency: clinical correlates with IgG subclass and mannan-binding lectin deficiencies

OBJECTIVE

To characterize an IgA deficient population in terms of the incidence of IgG subclass and mannose-binding lectin (MBL) deficiencies and the type and severity of infections and other associated disorders.

BACKGROUND

Selective IgA deficiency is probably the commonest of the primary immunodeficiency disorders and although it may lead to an increased risk for respiratory and gastrointestinal infections and associated to various autoimmune diseases, it may also be asymptomatic. Several studies have suggested the need of a concomitant defect in order for manifestation of its symptoms.

METHODS

A total of 27 patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of selective IgA deficiency were evaluated for IgG subclass and MBL deficiencies after a thorough medical history, physical examination and pertinent evaluation for concomitant medical conditions.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of IgG subclass deficiency found in the IgA deficient group was 18.5%. MBL deficiency was found to be 3.7%. These frequencies may have been influenced by the age group evaluated and the size of the population studied. Severe infections were more common in patients with combined deficiencies, either IgA and any of the IgG subclasses or IgA and MBL deficiency. Atopy was widely represented in the patients studied.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed relationship between combined deficiencies Ig A, IgG subclasses and MBL and the increased representation of severe infections needs to be corroborated in a larger sample of patients with an inclusion of pediatric patients.

Prenatal diagnosis of monosomy 4p14→pter and trisomy 11q25→qter: clinical presentations and outcomes

We present the case of a pregnant woman with low free beta-HCG in maternal serum Down syndrome screening that led to prenatal diagnosis of a fetus with 46,XY,der(4)t(4;11)(p14; q25). This chromosomal aneuploidy resulted from unbalanced segregation of a paternal balanced translocation, t(4;11)(p14;q25). Prenatal ultrasound revealed intrauterine growth restriction, cleft lip and palate, a thick nuchal fold, a single umbilical artery, and pyelectasis. Array-based comparative genomic hybridization and short tandem repeat markers further located the exact breakpoint of translocation. The woman had her pregnancy terminated at 23 weeks of gestational age. The proband had general appearance of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome and some unique findings, including single umbilical artery, severe immunoglobulin deficiency, scalp defect, and underlying bony defect. Our case underscores the importance of fetal karyotyping when low maternal serum free beta-HCG is found. It also adds information on the fetal presentations of monosomy 4p14-->pter and trisomy 11q25-->qter.

HLA-A and -B alleles and haplotypes in 240 index patients with common variable immunodeficiency and selective IgG subclass deficiency in central Alabama

BACKGROUND

We wanted to quantify HLA-A and -B phenotype and haplotype frequencies in Alabama index patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and selective IgG subclass deficiency (IgGSD), and in control subjects.

METHODS

Phenotypes were detected using DNA-based typing (index cases) and microlymphocytotoxicity typing (controls).

RESULTS

A and B phenotypes were determined in 240 index cases (114 CVID, 126 IgGSD) and 1,321 controls and haplotypes in 195 index cases and 751 controls. Phenotyping revealed that the "uncorrected" frequencies of A*24, B*14, B*15, B*35, B*40, B*49, and B*50 were significantly greater in index cases, and frequencies of B*35, B*58, B*62 were significantly lower in index cases. After Bonferroni corrections, the frequencies of phenotypes A*24, B*14, and B*40 were significantly greater in index cases, and the frequency of B*62 was significantly lower in index cases. The most common haplotypes in index cases were A*02-B*44 (frequency 0.1385), A*01-B*08 (frequency 0.1308), and A*03-B*07 (frequency 0.1000), and the frequency of each was significantly greater in index cases than in control subjects ("uncorrected" values of p < 0.0001, 0.0252, and 0.0011, respectively). After performing Bonferroni corrections, however, the frequency of A*02-B*44 alone was significantly increased in probands (p < 0.0085). Three other haplotypes were also significantly more frequent in index cases (A*03-B*14, A*31-B*40, and A*32-B*14). The combined frequencies of three latter haplotypes in index patients and control subjects were 0.0411 and 0.0126, respectively ("uncorrected" value of p < 0.0002; "corrected" value of p = 0.0166). Most phenotype and haplotype frequencies in CVID and IgGSD were similar. 26.7% of index patients were HLA-haploidentical with one or more other index patients. We diagnosed CVID or IgGSD in first-degree or other relatives of 26 of 195 index patients for whom HLA-A and -B haplotypes had been ascertained; A*01-B*08, A*02-B*44, and A*29-B*44 were most frequently associated with CVID or IgGSD in these families. We conservatively estimated the combined population frequency of CVID and IgGSD to be 0.0092 in adults, based on the occurrence of CVID and IgGSD in spouses of the index cases.

CONCLUSIONS

CVID and IgGSD in adults are significantly associated with several HLA haplotypes, many of which are also common in the Alabama Caucasian population. Immunoglobulin phenotype variability demonstrated in index cases and family studies herein suggests that there are multiple gene(s) on Ch6p or other chromosomes that modify immunoglobulin phenotypes of CVID and IgGSD. The estimated prevalence of CVID and IgGSD in central Alabama could be reasonably attributed to the fact that many HLA haplotypes significantly associated with these disorders are also common in the general population.

Spinal epidural abscess associated with IgG4 deficiency

The objective is to present the possibility of an association between spinal epidural abscess and IgG deficiency. Spinal epidural abscess is a rare but potentially devastating condition. Review of the literature showed no reported acknowledgment about the relationship between spinal epidural abscess and IgG deficiency. This report discusses the case of a 16-year-old boy who developed progressive paraplegia within 24 hours. Clinical and neuroradiologic features are reported. Serum quantitative total IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations were measured by nephelometry. Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging showed epidural abscess between T6 and T11 compressing the cord posteriorly. IgG subclasses (IgG ) were found abnormal. The possible importance of immunologic evaluation in the patients with spinal epidural abscess when no source of infection could be find is discussed.(4) (4) (4)

Use of OM-85 BV in children suffering from recurrent respiratory tract infections and subnormal IgG subclass levels

BACKGROUND

Recurrent acute respiratory tract infections (RARTIs) in children are related to IgG subclass deficiencies. The aim of the trial was to evaluate the effect of OM-85 BV in the number of RARTIs as well as in the IgG subclass levels.

METHODS

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients of ages three to six years, having three or more documented ARTIs during the last six months with subnormal IgG subclass levels were included. Patients took either one capsule of OM-85 BV (3.5 mg) or placebo orally every day for ten consecutive days per month during three consecutive months. Patients were followed three further months without drug intake. IgG subclass levels were determined before and after treatment.

RESULTS

IgG4 levels diminished after the OM-85 BV treatment (-3 [-8.0, -1.0] median difference [95 % CI] p < 0.05 by Wilcoxon test). No other significant changes in IgG subclasses were observed. After six months the patients in the OM-85 BV group (n = 20) experienced 2.8 1.4 (mean SD) ARTIs, while the patients in the placebo group (n = 20) suffered 5.2 1.5 ARTIs (-2.4 [3.3, -1.5] mean difference [95 % CI] p < 0.001 by Student's t test). Three patients with OM-85 BV had gastrointestinal events related to drug administration, as well as three placebo patients.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the clinical benefit of OM-85 BV in patients suffering from RARTIs and subnormal levels of IgG subclasses. This trial opens new perspectives in the research of the mechanism of action of OM-85 BV.

[The levels of IgG subclasses in respiratory allergic pathology in the childhood]

OBJECTIVES

To assess the existence of immunologic alterations, referring to IgG subclasses, in the respiratory allergic pathology in the childhood.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a prospective study that compares the IgG subclasses levels in a sample of patient with allergic breathing illness (n = 169) and a group control (n = 130) with ages range from one month to 13 years old. The statistical analysis includes a descriptive statistic and a comparative statistic carrying out comparison of means between both groups with the Welch test and the Student's T test.

RESULTS

The mean rate of IgG1 in the group with breathing allergic pathology being of 578,1 mg/dl and in the control group, being of 632,78 mg/dl. The mean rate of IgG2 in the group with breathing allergic pathology being of 106,12 mg/dl and in the control group, being of 142,38 mg/dl. The mean rate of IgG3 in the group with breathing allergic pathology being of 53,73 mg/dl and in the control group, being of 63,78 mg/dl. The children with breathing allergic pathology have significantly decreased IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 levels in comparison to the control group (p < 0.001). The mean rate of IgG4 in the group with breathing allergic pathology being of 25,86 mg/dl and in the control group, being of 13,89 mg/dl. The children with breathing allergic pathology have significantly elevated IgG4 levels in comparison to the control group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings obtained suggest that an relation exists in the breathing allergic processes with the IgG subclasses levels disturbances and also that there is an alteration of the immune response maturation in relation to subclasses IgG1, IgG2, IgG3. The valuation of the levels of these immunoglobulins can be useful in the pathogenic diagnosis of the allergic processes.

[Late onset immunodeficiency with hypo-IgG and hyper-IgM, T CD4+ lymphocytopenia and vitiligo]

The Authors report the clinical case of a patient with a deficit of humoral immunity who developed infections since puberty. The serum levels of IgG and IgA decreased progressively in the fourth decade of life, while serum IgM increased. Moreover, the patient developed a marked CD4+ T lymphocytopenia and a meager B lymphocytopenia, vitiligo, positivity for anti-SSA/Ro autoantibodies and granulomatous phlogosis of the knee. The heterogeneity of the clinical and laboratory data suggests that this patient might present an overlap immunodeficiency syndrome with some of the clinical and immunological features typical of the hyper-IgM syndrome (in the X-linked or autosomal forms) and others that can be referred to a nosologically distinct humoral immunodeficiency such as the common variable immunodeficiency.

Deficiency of humoral immunity in cartilage-hair hypoplasia

OBJECTIVE

Cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH), a metaphyseal chondrodysplasia, is usually associated with impaired cellular immunity. This study evaluates humoral immunity in patients with CHH.

METHODS

The concentrations of immunoglobulins G, A, and M (IgG, IgA, and IgM) and IgG subclasses were studied in 20 patients. Data for 5 additional patients with recurrent infections were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Seven of the prospectively evaluated patients (35%) had defective humoral immunity. Three patients had IgA deficiency. Four patients had IgG2 deficiency, accompanied by IgA deficiency, IgG4 deficiency, or both in 3 patients. IgG4 was low in most patients. Increased infections were usually associated with supranormal IgG and IgG1 and subnormal IgA, IgG2, or IgG4 concentrations. One retrospectively reviewed patient had severe hypogammaglobulinemia, and 3 had multiple IgG subclass deficiencies.

CONCLUSIONS

Humoral immunity is impaired in CHH and contributes to the increased susceptibility to infections.

[Polyclonal B lymphocytosis and hyper-IgM: immunodeficiency and/or benign lymphoid proliferation associated with tobacco?]

PURPOSE

To study the association of polyclonal B-cell lymphocytosis with binucleated lymphocytes with clinical manifestations suggesting the existence of an immunodeficiency, to evaluate the effect of cigarette smoking on this 'benign lymphoid proliferation', to analyze the clonality of lymphocytes, to determine the levels of immunoglobulins (Ig) G, A, M.

METHODS

Description and analysis of the results obtained in four patients and literature review.

RESULTS

Polyclonal B-cell lymphocytosis is associated with both a decrease in IgA and IgG and an increase in IgM. Recurrent infectious episodes (bronchitis) were observed in two patients. Transient smoking cessation allowed a decrease in lymphocytosis and IgM levels in two patients. No hematological malignancy occurred during the follow-up, while biological abnormalities persisted.

CONCLUSION

Persistent polyclonal B-cell lymphocytosis may be associated with minor clinical features of immunodeficiency. Smoking cessation may sometimes lead to a decrease in lymphocytosis and IgM.

IgG subclasses in wheezing infants

The wheezing infant is a common but difficult patient to approach diagnostically. The prevalence of IgG subclass antibody deficiency in wheezing infants is still controversial. We studied serum concentration of IgG subclasses in 38 wheezing infants (aged 6-24 months who had not received systemic steroids before investigation) and in 30 healthy age matched control (aged 6-24 months). The prevalence of one or more IgG subclass deficiency was 31.6% in wheezing infants and 26.7% in controls. There was no significant difference in prevalence of IgG subclass deficiency between patients and controls (p > 0.05). The mean concentration of IgG subclasses in patients were compared with controls. There was no significant difference in mean serum concentration of IgG1, G2 and G3 subclasses. But there was a trend towards higher concentrations of IgG4 in wheezing infants and this difference for IgG4 was significant (p < 0.01). However, IgG subclass deficiency was found in 25% and 36.4% of wheezing infants who had experienced from two to four and five or more wheezing episodes in two years, respectively (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that wheezing in infancy is not associated with IgG subclass deficiency and in wheezing infants low IgG subclass levels do not increase the frequency of wheezing.

Heterogeneity of serum IgG subclass deficiencies in B chronic lymphocytic leukemia

The occurrence of abnormally low serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels is well-known in B chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but published data on IgG subclass levels are virtually absent. We measured serum IgG subclass levels in 52 B CLL outpatients, most in stage A and untreated, using an indirect immunoenzymatic assay with monoclonal antibodies. Mean levels of all Ig isotypes were lower than in normal controls in the whole group of patients, except for IgG2 in those studied at diagnosis. Levels of IgG1, IgG2, IgA, and IgM were lower in patients with a long disease duration than in those studied earlier. IgG subclass deficiencies occurred in 54% of cases and the most frequently affected isotype was IgG1. Every possible combination of IgG subclass and Ig class deficiencies from the selective deficiency of a single subclass to a combined deficiency of all isotypes was observed. This marked heterogeneity argues against the occurrence of isolated defects of one of the cytokines involved in Ig switching as a cause of hypoimmunoglobulinemia in CLL.

Subcutaneous granuloma annulare and IgA-IgG2 deficiency

Subcutaneous granuloma annulare (SGA) is a benign granulomatous disease occurring in childhood, with lesions most commonly located about the elbow, knee and scalp. the etiology of SGA remains obscure. We present a typical case with SGA also showing laboratory findings of IgA and IgG2 deficiency. Histologic findings of the lesions on the scalp were characterized by multiple large foci of complete collagen degeneration with a peripheral pallsade of histiocytes; the foci of degeneration was edematous basophilic. In contrast to current literature, an abnormality in the cellular immune system was not found. However, immune defects (IgA and IgG2 deficiency) related to the humoral immune system were observed.

Mannan binding lectin deficiency and concomitant immunodefects

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of a mannan binding lectin (MBL) deficiency in children with increased susceptibility to infections and to investigate whether other coexisting immunodeficiencies affecting opsonisation are needed to render MBL deficiency clinically significant.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

343 serum samples were collected from 266 children with repeated infections, a single episode of severe infection, or prolonged symptoms relating to infection. The concentrations of MBL, immunoglobulin G (IgG), M (IgM), A (IgA), and IgG subclasses (IgG1-4) were analysed.

RESULTS

MBL deficiency was found in nine children (3.2%), seven of whom had repeated infections or a single episode of severe infection. In two, initial symptoms and signs suggestive of infection eventually led to the diagnosis of an autoimmune disease--Still's disease in one and pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in the other. Among the children with MBL deficiency and infections, concomitant IgG subclass deficiency was detected in five and a transient low level of one or two IgG subclasses in two. Prevalence of an IgG subclass deficiency in children with MBL deficiency was higher than in those without (56% and 22%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

MBL deficiency alone is not an independent risk factor for infection but may be manifested in association with another humoral immunodeficiency affecting opsonisation. Among children with MBL deficiency, those with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis were overrepresented. This calls for further study.

Structural analysis of human gamma 3 intervening regions and switch regions: implication for the low frequency of switching in IgG3-deficient patients

High and low serum concentrations of IgG3 are associated with the human G3m(b) and G3m(g) allotypes, respectively. In the present study, we analyzed the structure of the S gamma 3 and I gamma 3, the switch frequency, switch breakpoints and the levels and initiation sites of I gamma 3 transcripts both in normal blood donors expressing (b) or (g) allotypes as well as IgG3-deficient (D) patients. A low switch frequency to gamma 3 was found in the (g) allotype IgG3D patients which may be caused in part by the allotype-associated mutations in the S gamma 3 region and in part by additional individual mutations observed in the A (SNAP) and B (SNIP/ NF-kappa B) sites in the S gamma 3 repeat region. A higher I gamma 3 germ-line (GL) transcriptional rate was seen in cells from the IgG3D patient, suggesting that low levels of GL I gamma 3 transcripts are not a major contributing factor to the defect. However, individual mutations in the I gamma 3 region and differential splicing of GL I gamma 3 transcripts were found which may affect the switching process.

Yellow nail syndrome in infancy

This report describes an infant with clinical features consistent with the yellow nail syndrome (YNS), a rare autosomal dominant disorder. He presented at birth with congenital lymphoedema and was referred at 6 months of age for investigation of recurrent cough and wheeze. He had clinical and radiological evidence of bilateral pleural effusions and a pericardial effusion. Following a lung biopsy and pericardial window these were shown to be manifestations of his lymphatic abnormality. He also had persisting middle ear effusions causing conductive deafness requiring hearing aids and secondary immunodeficiency requiring regular immunoglobulin infusions.

Selective IgG1 deficiency

Measurement of serum IgG subclass levels in 3005 patients disclosed abnormally low IgG1 levels with normal levels of the other IgG subclasses and of IgM and IgA in 119 patients, predominantly adults. Not all patients were hypogammaglobulinemic due to nonrare increases of other isotypes, mostly IgM. A familial context of immunodeficiency was frequent, more often combined than selective IgG1 deficiency. A familial association with IgG2 deficiency was found also and IgG1 replaced IgG2 deficiency in 3 cases (and succeeded to or preceded more complex IgG defects in 3 cases, whereas IgG1 deficiency was consistently found at examinations repeated in the absence of therapy in 10 additional cases). Most but not all (83.2%) patients suffered infections, generally moderate, similar to those observed in other selective IgG subclass deficiencies (IgGSD), with predominantly sinorespiratory infections. Other clinical manifestations such as atopy, congenital cardiopathy, and autoimmune diseases were already known in IgGSD but the incidence of asthma was strikingly high (one-fifth of the cases).

Common variable immunodeficiency presenting in a girl as lung infiltrates and mediastinal adenopathies leading to severe "superior vena caval" syndrome

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by decreased levels of circulating immunoglobulins (Ig) and increased susceptibility to infections. We describe the case of a girl, progressively developing CVID, whose first clinical manifestations were noninfectious diffuse pulmonary infiltrates and rapidly developing hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathies causing a severe "superior vena caval syndrome". Histological evaluation of surgical samples showed follicular and paracortical hyperplasia of the lymph nodes and poorly organized, non-necrotizing, noninfectious, "reactive" granulomata in lymph nodes and pulmonary tissue. Daily treatment with azathioprine and prednisone induced resolution of the intrathoracic abnormalities but was associated with a progressive decrease of circulating IgG and IgA levels and natural killer (NK) lymphocytes that was not related to treatment. This case demonstrates that granulomatous inflammatory changes may be the first manifestations of common variable immunodeficiency, and that this disorder must be included in the differential diagnosis of lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis and of bilateral mediastinal lymph node enlargement leading to superior vena caval syndrome.

[IgG subclasses in patients with symptomatic IgA deficiency]

BACKGROUND

Patients with IgA deficiency may be asymptomatic or may present recurrent infections mainly respiratory. A possible explanation for this variety of symptoms may be the association with a deficiency of IgG subclasses.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients with a symptomatic IgA deficiency with a mean age of 18 +/- 12 years were studied. The quantification of the IgG subclasses was performed by ELISA test with antisubclass specific monoclonal murine antibodies. Serum from 100 healthy adults was collected to determine normal values of the IgG subclasses.

RESULTS

Twenty-five (48%) had a deficiency of associated IgG subclasses (6 IgG2 deficiency, 1 IgG3, 3 IgG4 and 2 combined deficiency). The patient with a deficiency of associated IgG subclasses had more recurrent respiratory infections (chi 2, p < 0.03) and pneumonias (chi 2, p < 0.04). This group also had a greater FEV1 alteration (Student-t test, p < 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with symptomatic IgA deficiency frequently present IgG subclass deficiency and are more likely to have recurrent respiratory infections and greater changes in pulmonary function.

Complete block of early B cell differentiation and altered patterning of the posterior midbrain in mice lacking Pax5/BSAP

The Pax5 gene, coding for the transcription factor BSAP, was mutated in the mouse germline by targeted disruption. Homozygous mutant mice were born alive, became growth retarded, and usually died within three weeks. About 5% of mutants survived to adulthood and were fertile, but severely runted. Morphogenesis of the posterior midbrain was affected as early as embryonic day 16.5, leading to a reduction of the inferior colliculus near the midline and to altered foliation of the anterior cerebellum. Moreover, all mutants failed to produce small pre-B, B, and plasma cells owing to a complete arrest of B cell development at an early precursor stage. These data define a key role for Pax5 in early B lymphopoiesis and midbrain patterning.

Selective suppression of IgG2a subclass in LEC rats during development

The LEC rat is a mutant strain that has been established as a model of hepatitis and hepatoma. In addition to hepatic disorders, it has been found that this strain has a defect in T cell maturation, and has low levels of serum IgG. Sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblot analysis showed that low levels of serum IgG were largely due to reduction of the IgG2a subclass. Quantitative determination of IgG subclasses by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using subclass-specific antibodies indicated that IgG2b and IgG2c subclasses were increased during development in this strain, whereas the IgG2a subclass was markedly decreased. These results suggest that dysfunction of some helper T cells in LEC rats selectively suppress synthesis of the IgG2a subclass during development but not affect production of IgG2b and IgG2c.

IgG2 deficiency in children with febrile convulsions: a familial study

The IgG subclasses were investigated in children with febrile convulsions (FC) and in their first degree relatives in the search for a selective immunological deficiency associated with FC and its occurrence in the relatives of affected subjects. The results of the study show lower IgG2 concentrations in FC patients than in controls. But it was not possible to demonstrate familial transmission of the IgG2 subclass deficiency, since it was present only in children with FC and tended to normalize in adulthood. The immunoglobulin subclass deficiency might be responsible for the recurrent infections connected with FC.

Duodenal intraepithelial gamma/delta T cells and soluble CD8, neopterin, and beta 2-microglobulin in serum of IgA-deficient subjects with or without IgG subclass deficiency

Expression of the gamma/delta T cell receptor (TCR) on CD3+ intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) was studied by two-colour immunofluorescence in duodenal tissue sections from healthy (n = 6) or infection-prone (n = 7) subjects with selective IgA deficiency (IgAD), and subjects (n = 4) with combined IgAD and IgG subclass deficiency. TCR gamma/delta+ IEL proportions in selective IgAD subjects (median 6.3%, range 1.0-41%) and in those with combined deficiency (median 4.5%, range 1.2-33%) were well within the range (0.3-38%) for histologically normal controls (n = 11), but the healthy IgAD subgroup tended to show raised TCR gamma/delta+ IEL proportions (median 13.6%) compared with the other two subgroups. Also the number of TCR gamma/delta+ IELs per intestinal length unit was relatively high (median 13.9/mm) in the healthy IgAD subjects, and significantly raised (P < 0.03) compared with controls (median 3.2/mm). Paired staining revealed that most TCR gamma/delta+ IELs in both selective IgAD (98%) and combined deficiency (99%) were CD8-, and a large fraction (median 84% and 63%, respectively) expressed the V delta 1/J delta 1-encoded epitope. The total number of CD3+ IELs (mostly CD8+) was similar to controls. IgAD subjects, and especially the healthy subgroup, had significantly increased serum concentrations of soluble CD8 (P < 0.0002), neopterin (P < 0.005), and beta 2-microglobulin (P < 0.007), which was similar to our previous observations in common variable immunodeficiency, and probably reflected stimulation of cell-mediated immunity. In addition, the increased TCR gamma/delta+ IELs might reflect a component of compensatory surface protection in the healthy IgAD subgroup.

Extensive deletion of immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region genes in the absence of recurrent infections: when is IgG subclass deficiency clinically relevant?

This report describes two children with undetectable serum levels of IgA1, IgG2, IgG4, and IgE due to a homozygous deletion encompassing the A1-E genes. The father is a heterozygous carrier of the same deletion and the mother a heterozygous compound carrying the deletion on one chromosome and duplication on the other. In both children, serum IgG, IgG1, and IgG3 were higher than in normal children and IgG antibody response to tetanus toxoid and polysaccharide antigens was normal with increased IgG1 and IgG3 response compared to controls. The latter can be interpreted as a compensatory mechanism for the subclass deficit and may explain the lack of significant infections in both children. The importance of distinguishing IgG subclass deficiency due to gene deletion from that due to immunoregulatory dysfunction is discussed.

Transfer by BMT of IgG2 deficiency involving an immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region deletion and a silent IgG2 gene

A patient suffering from ALL who underwent allogeneic BMT developed complete IgG2 deficiency after BMT. When the donor Ig serum levels were examined, it was found that he also lacked detectable levels of IgG2. The IGHC genes were investigated and a heterozygous 50-70 kb deletion encompassing the genes coding for IgG2 (G2) and IgG4 (G4) (del G2-G4) was found in the white blood cells. The patient had IgG2 levels in the low normal range before BMT. When the patient's fibroblasts were examined to determine his original genotype, they were found to carry the same deletion haplotype, but in combination with a different G2 allele than that present in the transplanted BM cells. The combination of Ig heavy chain constant region gene alleles found in the transplant has also been inherited by a third brother also lacking IgG2. The hemizygous G2 allele present in the donated BM cells was thus 'silent' and the complete IgG2 deficiency had been transferred by the BMT.

Normal levels of IgG subclass in childhood determined by a sensitive ELISA

Normal values of all IgG subclasses were determined using a sensitive ELISA in children aged from newborn to 14 years. The upper and lower limits of normal values of all IgG subclasses were obtained in all the age groups using 29 umbilical cord blood samples from full-term newborns and 308 venous blood samples from normal infants and children. The trends in the levels of IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 with age were almost similar to previous reports. IgG4 levels decreased gradually until reaching the lowest level at 7 to 12 months and increased gradually with age, reaching a plateau at 12 to 14 years of age. Thus, the lower limit of serum IgG4 levels was determined using our method.

Anti-idiotypic antibody to T-cell receptor in multiply transfused patients may play a role in resistance to graft-versus-host disease

Most patients who receive multiple blood or platelet transfusions do not develop graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in spite of the transfusion of donor white cells--cells that are capable of engraftment and subsequent GVHD. The object of this study was to search for the factors responsible for resistance to GVHD in such patients. Some sera from patients who have received multiple platelet transfusions inhibit the proliferation of alloreactive T-cell clones that function as an in vitro model of donor-derived proliferating T cells recognizing recipient alloantigens. The humoral factor in such sera was capable of binding to the T-cell clones, but not to stimulator cells. Further analysis revealed that the humoral factor in such sera was IgG, which specifically bound to membrane molecules of the T-cell clones. The antibody competed with WT31, a monoclonal antibody (MoAb) to T-cell receptor (TCR), in binding to TCR of the T-cell clones. It did not compete with CD3 or CD2 MoAb. These observations strongly favor the view that the antibody against TCR exists in the sera of multiple transfusion recipients. It is suggested that the TCR antibody binds to TCR of the T-cell clones, thus blocking the interaction of the T-cell clone with alloantigens of stimulator cells and resulting in inhibition of the proliferation of T-cell clones. Furthermore, in view of T-cell clone-specific binding of the antibody in sera, it might be concluded that the antibody is anti-idiotypic.

A lactogenic-immune-deficiency-syndrome in cows: unexplained phenomenon

The majority of adult cows in a certain dairy herd, were found to have very low levels of immunoglobulins (Igs) in their colostrum. This phenomenon was defined by us as Lactogenic-Immune-Deficiency-Syndrome (LIDS). The mean IgG levels were 44.5 and 57.2 mg ml-1 respectively (on two different occasions) as compared to that of a control group which was 103.4 mg ml-1. The levels of Igs in the colostra of heifers from the same herd were found to be higher than those of adult cows. The degree of LIDS was found to be closely related to the age of cows in the herd. The low levels of Igs in the colostra were not directly linked to their concentrations in the sera of the affected cows. The relatively low amount of IgA in the affected colostra suggests that the local production in the lymph tissue associated with the mammary glands is impaired as well. In order to investigate the etiology of the phenomenon, tests were carried out to reveal whether bovine leucosis virus (BLV) infection or immune complexes were involved in the pathogenesis of LIDS. The results were negative. The etiology of LIDS remains for the time being unknown.