Blog

Signaling pathways involved in the T-cell-mediated immunity against Epstein-Barr virus: Lessons from genetic diseases.

August 14, 2019 By Manish Butte

Signaling pathways involved in the T-cell-mediated immunity against Epstein-Barr virus: Lessons from genetic diseases.

Immunol Rev. 2019 Sep;291(1):174-189

Authors: Latour S, Fischer A

Abstract
Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) provide researchers with unique models to understand in vivo immune responses in general and immunity to infections in particular. In humans, impaired immune control of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with the occurrence of several different immunopathologic conditions; these include non-malignant and malignant B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a severe inflammatory condition, and a chronic acute EBV infection of T cells. Studies of PIDs associated with a predisposition to develop severe, chronic EBV infections have led to the identification of key components of immunity to EBV – notably the central role of T-cell expansion and its regulation in the pathophysiology of EBV-associated diseases. On one hand, the defective expansion of EBV-specific CD8 T cells results from mutations in genes involved in T-cell activation (such as RASGRP1, MAGT1, and ITK), DNA metabolism (CTPS1) or co-stimulatory pathways (CD70, CD27, and TNFSFR9 (also known as CD137/4-1BB)) leads to impaired elimination of proliferating EBV-infected B cells and the occurrence of lymphoma. On the other hand, protracted T-cell expansion and activation after the defective killing of EBV-infected B cells is caused by genetic defects in the components of the lytic granule exocytosis pathway or in the small adapter protein SH2D1A (also known as SAP), a key activator of T- and NK cell-cytotoxicity. In this setting, the persistence of EBV-infected cells results in HLH, a condition characterized by unleashed T-cell and macrophage activation. Moreover, genetic defects causing selective vulnerability to EBV infection have highlighted the role of co-receptor molecules (CD27, CD137, and SLAM-R) selectively involved in immune responses against infected B cells via specific T-B cell interactions.

PMID: 31402499 [PubMed – in process]

Long term follow up of persistence of immunity following quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in immunocompromised children.

August 14, 2019 By Manish Butte

Long term follow up of persistence of immunity following quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in immunocompromised children.

Vaccine. 2019 Aug 08;:

Authors: MacIntyre CR, Shaw PJ, Mackie FE, Boros C, Marshall H, Seale H, Kennedy SE, Moa A, Chughtai AA, Trent M, O’Loughlin EV, Stormon M

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes significant burden of HPV-related diseases, which are more prevalent in immunosuppressed compared to immunocompetent people. We conducted a multi-centre clinical trial to determine the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of HPV vaccine in immunocompromised children. Here we present the immunogenicity results 5 years post vaccination.
METHODS: We followed up immunocompromised children (5-18 years) with a range of specified underlying conditions who were previously recruited from three Australian paediatric hospitals. Participants received three doses of quadrivalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil Quadrivalent HPV Types 6, 11, 16, 18) and were followed up between 2007 and 2016 (60 months post-vaccination). The immunogenicity primary outcome was seroconversion and geometric mean titres (GMT) of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine serotypes in the study.
RESULTS: Of the 59 original participants, 37 were followed up at 60 months. The proportion of participants who seroconverted were: 86.5%, 89.2%, 89.2%, 91.9% by competitive Luminex immunoassay (cLIA) and 83.8%, 83.8%, 94.6%, 78.4% by total immunoglobulin G assays (IgG) for serotypes 6, 11, 16 and 18 respectively. GMT values ranged from 118 (95%CI: 79-177) for serotype 11, to 373 (95%CI: 215-649) for serotype 16 by cLIA. For IgG, serotype 16 had the highest GMT of 261 (95%CI: 143-477) and serotype 18 had the lowest value of 37 (95%CI: 21-68). All antibody titres were lower in females compared to males but the difference was not statistically significant except for serotype 16. No serious adverse event was reported during this follow-up period.
CONCLUSION: Our evidence, although limited by small numbers, is reassuring that a three dose schedule of HPV vaccine remains immunogenic in immunocompromised children to five years post vaccination. Large scale studies are required to determine long term protection in immunocompromised children.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02263703 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

PMID: 31402238 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

A Novel CD40L Mutation Associated with X-Linked Hyper IgM Syndrome in a Chinese Family.

August 14, 2019 By Manish Butte

A Novel CD40L Mutation Associated with X-Linked Hyper IgM Syndrome in a Chinese Family.

Immunol Invest. 2019 Aug 12;:1-10

Authors: Li L, Ji J, Han M, Xu Y, Zhang X, Liu W, Liu S

Abstract
Background: Mutations in CD40 ligand gene (CD40L) affecting immunoglobulin class-switch recombination and somatic hypermutation can result in X-Linked Hyper IgM Syndrome (HIGM1, XHIGM), a kind of rare serious primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) characterized by the deficiency of IgG, IgA and IgE and normal or increased serum concentrations of IgM. The objective of this study is to explain genotype-phenotype correlation and highlight the mutation responsible for a Chinese male patient with XHIGM. Methods: Whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing validation were performed to identify and validate the likely pathogenic mutation in the XHIGM family. Results: The results of the sequencing revealed that a new causative mutation in CD40L (c.714delT in exon 5, p.F238Lfs*4) which leads to the change in amino acids (translation terminates at the third position after the frameshift mutation) appeared in the proband. As his mother in the family was carrier with this heterozygous mutation, the hemizygous mutation in this patient came from his mother indicating that genetic mode of XHIGM is X-linked recessive inheritance. Conclusion: This study broadens our knowledge of the mutation in CD40L and lays a solid foundation for prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling for the XHIGM family.

PMID: 31401902 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

A 1-Year Prospective French Nationwide Study of Emergency Hospital Admissions in Children and Adults with Primary Immunodeficiency.

August 12, 2019 By Manish Butte

A 1-Year Prospective French Nationwide Study of Emergency Hospital Admissions in Children and Adults with Primary Immunodeficiency.

J Clin Immunol. 2019 Aug 10;:

Authors: Coignard-Biehler H, Mahlaoui N, Pilmis B, Barlogis V, Brosselin P, De Vergnes N, Debré M, Malphettes M, Frange P, Catherinot E, Pellier I, Durieu I, Perlat A, Royer B, Le Quellec A, Jeziorski E, Fischer A, Lortholary O, CEREDIH French PID study group, Aaron L, Adoue D, Aguilar C, Aladjidi N, Alcais A, Amoura Z, Arlet P, Armari-Alla C, Bader-Meunier B, Bayart S, Bertrand Y, Bienvenu B, Blanche S, Bodet D, Bonnotte B, Borie R, Boutard P, Briandet C, Brion JP, Brouard J, Cohen-Beaussant S, Costes L, Couderc LJ, Cougoul P, Courteille V, de Saint Basile G, Devoldere C, Deville A, Donadieu J, Dore E, Dulieu F, Edan C, Entz-Werle N, Fieschi C, Forestier A, Fouyssac F, Gajdos V, Galicier L, Gandemer V, Gardembas M, Gaud C, Guillerm G, Hachulla E, Hamidou M, Hermine O, Hoarau C, Humbert S, Jaccard A, Jacquot S, Jais JP, Jaussaud R, Jeandel PY, Kebaili K, Korganow AS, Lambotte O, Lanternier F, Larroche C, Lascaux AS, Le Moigne E, Le Moing V, Lebranchu Y, Lecuit M, Lefevre G, Lemal R, Te VLT, Marie-Cardine A, Silva NM, Masseau A, Massot C, Mazingue F, Merlin E, Michel G, Millot F, Monlibert B, Monpoux F, Moshous D, Mouthon L, Munzer M, Neven B, Nove-Josserand R, Oksenhendler E, Ouachée-Chardin M, Oudot C, Pagnier A, Pasquali JL, Pasquet M, Perel Y, Picard C, Piguet C, Plantaz D, Provot J, Quartier P, Rieux-Laucat F, Roblot P, Roger PM, Rohrlich PS, Rubie H, Salle V, Sarrot-Reynauld F, Servettaz A, Stephan JL, Schleinitz N, Suarez F, Swiader L, Taque S, Thomas C, Tournilhac O, Thumerelle C, Tron F, Vannier JP, Viallard JF

Abstract
PURPOSE: Patients with primary immunodeficiency (PID) are at risk of serious complications. However, data on the incidence and causes of emergency hospital admissions are scarce. The primary objective of the present study was to describe emergency hospital admissions among patients with PID, with a view to identifying “at-risk” patient profiles.
METHODS: We performed a prospective observational 12-month multicenter study in France via the CEREDIH network of regional PID reference centers from November 2010 to October 2011. All patients with PIDs requiring emergency hospital admission were included.
RESULTS: A total of 200 admissions concerned 137 patients (73 adults and 64 children, 53% of whom had antibody deficiencies). Thirty admissions were reported for 16 hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients. When considering the 170 admissions of non-transplant patients, 149 (85%) were related to acute infections (respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal tract infections in 72 (36%) and 34 (17%) of cases, respectively). Seventy-seven percent of the admissions occurred during winter or spring (December to May). The in-hospital mortality rate was 8.8% (12 patients); death was related to a severe infection in 11 cases (8%) and Epstein-Barr virus-induced lymphoma in 1 case. Patients with a central venous catheter (n = 19, 13.9%) were significantly more hospitalized for an infection (94.7%) than for a non-infectious reason (5.3%) (p = 0.04).
CONCLUSION: Our data showed that the annual incidence of emergency hospital admission among patients with PID is 3.4%. The leading cause of emergency hospital admission was an acute infection, and having a central venous catheter was associated with a significantly greater risk of admission for an infectious episode.

PMID: 31401750 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Common variable immunodeficiency and chronic hepatitis B: Therapeutic challenge.

August 12, 2019 By Manish Butte

Common variable immunodeficiency and chronic hepatitis B: Therapeutic challenge.

Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol. 2019 Aug 07;:

Authors: Zea-Vera AF

PMID: 31401043 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Evans Syndrome in Childhood: Long Term Follow-Up and the Evolution in Primary Immunodeficiency or Rheumatological Disease.

August 10, 2019 By Manish Butte

Evans Syndrome in Childhood: Long Term Follow-Up and the Evolution in Primary Immunodeficiency or Rheumatological Disease.

Front Pediatr. 2019;7:304

Authors: Rivalta B, Zama D, Pancaldi G, Facchini E, Cantarini ME, Miniaci A, Prete A, Pession A

Abstract
Evans syndrome (ES) is a rare but challenging condition, characterized by recurrent and refractory cytopenia episodes. Recent discoveries highlighted that an appropriate diagnostic workup is fundamental to identify an underlying immune dysregulation such as primary immunodeficiencies or a rheumatological disease. We hereby describe clinical features and laboratory results of 12 pediatric patients affected by ES referred to the Pediatric Onco-Hematology Unit of Bologna. Patients experienced a median of four acute episodes of cytopenia with 9 years as median age at the onset of symptoms. In 8/12 (67%) patients an underlying etiology, primary immunodeficiencies, or rheumatological disease was identified. In 4/12 children, other immune manifestations were associated (Thyroiditis, Celiac disease, Psoriasis, Vitiligo, Myositis, Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis). ES remained the primary diagnosis in four patients (33%). At a median follow-up time of 4 years, 5/12 (42%) patients revealed a chronic ITP, partially responsive to second line therapy. Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy (IRT) was effective with a good hematological values control in three patients with a secondary ES (ALPS, CVID, and a patient with Rubinstein Taybi Syndrome and a progressive severe B cell deficiency with hypogammaglobulinemia). Our experience highlights that, in pediatric patients, ES is often only the first manifestation of an immunological or rheumatological disease, especially when cytopenias are persistent or resistant to therapy, with an early-onset or when are associated with lymphadenopathy.

PMID: 31396497 [PubMed]

The Kuwait National Primary Immunodeficiency Registry 2004-2018.

August 10, 2019 By Manish Butte

The Kuwait National Primary Immunodeficiency Registry 2004-2018.

Front Immunol. 2019;10:1754

Authors: Al-Herz W, Al-Ahmad M, Al-Khabaz A, Husain A, Sadek A, Othman Y

Abstract
Objective: To present the report from the Kuwait National Primary Immunodeficiency Registry between 2004 and 2018. Methods: The patients were followed prospectively between January 2004 and December 2018 and their collected data included sociodemographic, diagnosis, clinical presentation, laboratory tests, and treatment. Results: A total of 314 PID patients (165 males and 149 females) were registered during the study period. Most of the patients (n = 287, 91.4%) were Kuwaiti nationals and the prevalence among Kuwaitis was 20.27/100,000 with a cumulative incidence of 24.96/100,000 Kuwaitis. The distribution of the patients according to PID categories was as follow: immunodeficiencies affecting cellular and humoral immunity, 100 patients (31.8%); combined immunodeficiencies with associated syndromic features, 68 patients (21.7%); predominantly antibody deficiencies, 56 patients (17.8%); diseases of immune dysregulation, 47 patients (15%); congenital defects of phagocyte number or function, 20 patients (6.4%); autoinflammatory disorders, 1 patient (0.3%); and complement deficiencies, 22 patients (7%). The mean age of the patients at onset of symptoms was 26 months while the mean age at diagnosis was 53 months and the mean delay in diagnosis was 27 months. Most of the patients (n = 272, 86%) had onset of symptoms before the age of 5 years. Parental consanguinity rate within the registered patients was 78% and a positive family history of PID was noticed in 50% of the patients. Genetic testing was performed in 69% of the patients with an overall diagnostic yield of 90%. Mutations were identified in 46 different genes and more than 90% of the reported genetic defects were transmitted by an autosomal recessive pattern. Intravenous immunoglobulins and stem cell transplantation were used in 58% and 25% of the patients, respectively. There were 81 deaths (26%) among the registered patients with a mean age of death of 25 months. Conclusions: PID is not infrequent in Kuwait and the reported prevalence is the highest in the literature with increased proportion of more severe forms. Collaborative efforts including introduction of newborn screening should be implemented to diagnose such cases earlier and improve the quality of life and prevent premature deaths.

PMID: 31396239 [PubMed – in process]

Current Flow Cytometric Assays for the Screening and Diagnosis of Primary HLH.

August 10, 2019 By Manish Butte

Current Flow Cytometric Assays for the Screening and Diagnosis of Primary HLH.

Front Immunol. 2019;10:1740

Authors: Chiang SCC, Bleesing JJ, Marsh RA

Abstract
Advances in flow cytometry have led to greatly improved primary immunodeficiency (PID) diagnostics. This is due to the fact that patient blood cells in suspension do not require further processing for analysis by flow cytometry, and many PIDs lead to alterations in leukocyte numbers, phenotype, and function. A large portion of current PID assays can be classified as “phenotyping” assays, where absolute numbers, frequencies, and markers are investigated using specific antibodies. Inherent drawbacks of antibody technology are the main limitation to this type of testing. On the other hand, “functional” assays measure cellular responses to certain stimuli. While these latter assays are powerful tools that can be used to detect defects in entire pathways and distinguish variants of significance, it requires samples with robust viability and also skilled processing. In this review, we concentrate on hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), describing the principles and accuracies of flow cytometric assays that have been proven to assist in the screening diagnosis of primary HLH.

PMID: 31396234 [PubMed – in process]

Natural Clearance of Prolonged VDPV Infection in a Child With Primary Immunodeficiency Disorder.

August 10, 2019 By Manish Butte

Natural Clearance of Prolonged VDPV Infection in a Child With Primary Immunodeficiency Disorder.

Front Immunol. 2019;10:1567

Authors: Mohanty MC, Madkaikar MR, Desai M, Aluri J, Varose SY, Taur P, Sharma DK, Nalavade UP, Rane SV, Gupta M, Shabarish S, Dalvi A, Deshpande JM

Abstract
The emergence of immunodeficiency-associated vaccine-derived polioviruses (iVDPV) from children with primary immunodeficiency disorders poses a threat to the eradication program. Herein, we report a patient with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), identified as a prolonged serotype 3 iVDPV (iVDPV3) excreter with 13 VDPV3 isolates and a maximum of 10.33% nucleotide divergence, who abruptly cleared infection after a period of 2 years. Occurrence of an episode of norovirus diarrhea associated with increased activated oligoclonal cytotoxic T cells, inverse CD4:CD8 ratio, significantly elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, and subsequent clearance of the poliovirus suggests a possible link between inflammatory diarrheal illness and clearance of iVDPV. Our findings suggest that in the absence of B cells and sufficiently activated T/NK cells, macrophages and other T cells may produce auto-inflammatory conditions by TLR/RLR ligands expressed by previous/ongoing bacterial or viral infections to clear VDPV infection. The study highlights the need to screen all the patients with combined immunodeficiency for poliovirus excretion and intermittent follow-up of their immune parameters if found positive, in order to manage the risk of iVDPV excretion in the polio eradication endgame strategy.

PMID: 31396204 [PubMed – in process]

Considerations for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in primary immunodeficiency disorders.

August 9, 2019 By Manish Butte

Considerations for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in primary immunodeficiency disorders.

World J Transplant. 2019 Jul 31;9(3):48-57

Authors: Gavrilova T

Abstract
Primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDs) result from inborn errors in immunity. Susceptibility to infections and oftentimes severe autoimmunity pose life-threatening risks to patients with these disorders. Hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) remains the only curative option for many. Severe combined immunodeficiency disorders (SCID) most commonly present at the time of birth and typically require emergent HCT in the first few weeks of life. HCT poses an unusual challenge for PIDs. Donor source and conditioning regimen often impact the outcome of immune reconstitution after HCT in PIDs. The use of matched or unmatched, as well as related versus unrelated donor has resulted in variable outcomes for different subsets of PIDs. Additionally, there is significant variability in the success of engraftment even for a single patient’s lymphocyte subpopulations. While certain cell lines do well without a conditioning regimen, others will not reconstitute unless conditioning is used. The decision to proceed with a conditioning regimen in an already immunocompromised host is further complicated by the fact that alkylating agents should be avoided in radiosensitive PIDs. This manuscript reviews some of the unique elements of HCT in PIDs and evidence-based approaches to transplant in patients with these rare and challenging disorders.

PMID: 31392129 [PubMed]