MAGT1 messenger RNA-corrected autologous T and natural killer cells for potential cell therapy in X-linked immunodeficiency with magnesium defect, Epstein-Barr virus infection and neoplasia disease

HLH and Recurrent EBV Lymphoma as the presenting manifestation of MAGT1 Deficiency: A Systematic Review of the Expanding Disease Spectrum

Magnesium transporter 1 (MAGT1) gene loss-of-function variants lead to X-linked MAGT1 deficiency with increased susceptibility to EBV infection and N-glycosylation defect (XMEN), a condition with a variety of clinical and immunological effects. In addition, MAGT1 deficiency has been classified as a congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) due to its unique role in glycosylation of multiple substrates including NKG2D, necessary for viral protection. Due to the predisposition for EBV, this etiology has been linked with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), however only limited literature exists. Here we present a complex case with HLH and EBV-driven classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) as the presenting manifestation of underlying immune defect. However, the patient's underlying immunodeficiency was not identified until his second recurrence of Hodgkin disease, recurrent episodes of Herpes Zoster, and after he had undergone autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) for refractory Hodgkin lymphoma. This rare presentation of HLH and recurrent lymphomas without some of the classical immune deficiency manifestations of MAGT1 deficiency led us to review the literature for similar presentations and to report the evolving spectrum of disease in published literature. Our systematic review showcased that MAGT1 predisposes to multiple viruses (including EBV) and adds risk of viral-driven neoplasia. The roles of MAGT1 in the immune system and glycosylation were highlighted through the multiple organ dysfunction showcased by the previously validated Immune Deficiency and Dysregulation Activity (IDDA2.1) score and CDG-specific Nijmegen Pediatric CDG Rating Scale (NPCRS) score for the patient cohort in the systematic review.

Revisiting the immunopathology of congenital disorders of glycosylation: an updated review

Glycosylation is a critical post-translational modification that plays a pivotal role in several biological processes, such as the immune response. Alterations in glycosylation can modulate the course of various pathologies, such as the case of congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG), a group of more than 160 rare and complex genetic diseases. Although the link between glycosylation and immune dysfunction has already been recognized, the immune involvement in most CDG remains largely unexplored and poorly understood. In this study, we provide an update on the immune dysfunction and clinical manifestations of the 12 CDG with major immune involvement, organized into 6 categories of inborn errors of immunity according to the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS). The immune involvement in phosphomannomutase 2 (PMM2)-CDG - the most frequent CDG - was comprehensively reviewed, highlighting a higher prevalence of immune issues during infancy and childhood and in R141H-bearing genotypes. Finally, using PMM2-CDG as a model, we point to links between abnormal glycosylation patterns in host cells and possibly favored interactions with microorganisms that may explain the higher susceptibility to infection. Further characterizing immunopathology and unusual host-pathogen adhesion in CDG can not only improve immunological standards of care but also pave the way for innovative preventive measures and targeted glycan-based therapies that may improve quality of life for people living with CDG.

Increased RNA editing sites revealed as potential novel biomarkers for diagnosis in primary Sjögren's syndrome

BACKGROUND

Transcriptome-wide aberrant RNA editing has been shown to contribute to autoimmune diseases, but its extent and significance in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) are currently poorly understood.

METHODS

We systematically characterized the global pattern and clinical relevance of RNA editing in pSS by performing large-scale RNA sequencing of minor salivary gland tissues obtained from 439 pSS patients and 130 non-pSS or healthy controls.

FINDINGS

Compared with controls, pSS patients displayed increased global RNA-editing levels, which were significantly correlated and clinically relevant to various immune features in pSS. The elevated editing levels were likely explained by significantly increased expression of adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1) p150 in pSS, which was associated with disease features. In addition, genome-wide differential RNA editing (DRE) analysis between pSS and non-pSS showed that most (249/284) DRE sites were hyper-edited in pSS, especially the top 10 DRE sites dominated by hyper-edited sites and assigned to nine unique genes involved in the inflammatory response or immune system. Interestingly, among all DRE sites, six RNA editing sites were only detected in pSS and resided in three unique genes (NLRC5, IKZF3 and JAK3). Furthermore, these six specific DRE sites with significant clinical relevance in pSS showed a strong capacity to distinguish between pSS and non-pSS, reflecting powerful diagnostic efficacy and accuracy.

CONCLUSION

These findings reveal the potential role of RNA editing in contributing to the risk of pSS and further highlight the important prognostic value and diagnostic potential of RNA editing in pSS.

Pediatric immune deficiencies: current treatment approaches

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize the currently available definitive therapies for patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) with a strong focus on recent advances in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and gene therapy, including the use of alternative donors, graft manipulation techniques, less toxic approaches for pretransplant conditioning and gene transfer using autologous hematopoietic stem cells.

RECENT FINDINGS

In the absence of a matched sibling or a matched related donor, therapeutic alternatives for patients with IEIs include alternative donor transplantation or autologous gene therapy, which is only available for selected IEIs. In recent years, several groups have published their experience with haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (HHCT) using different T-cell depletion strategies. Overall survival and event free survival results, although variable among centers, are encouraging. Preliminary results from autologous gene therapy trials with safer vectors and low-dose busulfan conditioning have shown reproducible and successful results. Both strategies have become valid therapeutic options for patients with IEIs. A new promising and less toxic conditioning regimen strategy is also discussed.

SUMMARY

Definitive therapies for IEIs with HCT and gene therapy are in stage of evolution, not only to refine their efficacy and safety but also their reach to a larger number of patients.

Further Delineation of the Spectrum of XMEN Disease in Six Chinese Pediatric Patients

X-linked MAGT1 deficiency with increased susceptibility to EBV-infection and N-linked glycosylation defect (XMEN) disease is a primary immunodeficiency caused by loss-of-function variants in the MAGT1 gene. Only two patients from one family have been diagnosed with XMEN in China. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the genetic, clinical, and immunological characteristics of six pediatric patients in a Chinese cohort. Medical records were retrieved, immunological phenotypes were assessed, and infectious microbes in patients were detected. Six male patients (mean age, 6.3 years) from five unrelated families were genetically diagnosed as XMEN. Five patients presented with a major complaint of elevated liver enzymes, while one patient was referred for recurrent fever, cough and skin rash. Five patients developed EBV viremia, and one patient developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Histopathological findings from liver biopsy tissues showed variable hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and glycogenosis. Immune phenotypes included CD4 T-cell lymphopenia, elevated B cells, inverted CD4/CD8 ratios, and elevated αβDNTs. No pathogenic microbes other than EBV were identified in these patients. This study reports the clinical and molecular features of Chinese patients with XMEN. For patients with transaminase elevation, chronic EBV infection and EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disease, the possibility of XMEN should be considered in addition to isolated liver diseases.

A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study of Magnesium Supplementation in Patients with XMEN Disease

X-linked MAGT1 deficiency with increased susceptibility to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and N-linked glycosylation defect (XMEN) disease is an inborn error of immunity caused by loss-of-function mutations in the magnesium transporter 1 (MAGT1) gene. The original studies of XMEN patients focused on impaired magnesium regulation, leading to decreased EBV-cytotoxicity and the loss of surface expression of the activating receptor "natural killer group 2D" (NKG2D) on CD8+ T cells and NK cells. In vitro studies showed that supraphysiological supplementation of magnesium rescued these defects. Observational studies in 2 patients suggested oral magnesium supplementation could decrease EBV viremia. Hence, we performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 2 parts. In part 1, patients received either oral magnesium L-threonate (MLT) or placebo for 12 weeks followed by 12 weeks of the other treatment. Part 2 began with 3 days of high-dose intravenous (IV) magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) followed by open-label MLT for 24 weeks. One EBV-infected and 3 EBV-naïve patients completed part 1. One EBV-naïve patient was removed from part 2 of the study due to asymptomatic elevation of liver enzymes during IV MgSO4. No change in EBV or NKG2D status was observed. In vitro magnesium supplementation experiments in cells from 14 XMEN patients failed to significantly rescue NKG2D expression and the clinical trial was stopped. Although small, this study indicates magnesium supplementation is unlikely to be an effective therapeutic option in XMEN disease.

CRISPR-targeted MAGT1 insertion restores XMEN patient hematopoietic stem cells and lymphocytes

XMEN disease, defined as "X-linked MAGT1 deficiency with increased susceptibility to Epstein-Barr virus infection and N-linked glycosylation defect," is a recently described primary immunodeficiency marked by defective T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Unfortunately, a potentially curative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is associated with high mortality rates. We sought to develop an ex vivo targeted gene therapy approach for patients with XMEN using a CRISPR/Cas9 adeno-associated vector (AAV) to insert a therapeutic MAGT1 gene at the constitutive locus under the regulation of the endogenous promoter. Clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas9 AAV-targeted gene editing (GE) is hampered by low engraftable gene-edited hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Here, we optimized GE conditions by transient enhancement of homology-directed repair while suppressing AAV-associated DNA damage response to achieve highly efficient (>60%) genetic correction in engrafting XMEN HSPCs in transplanted mice. Restored MAGT1 glycosylation function in human NK and CD8+ T cells restored NK group 2 member D (NKG2D) expression and function in XMEN lymphocytes for potential treatment of infections, and it corrected HSPCs for long-term gene therapy, thus offering 2 efficient therapeutic options for XMEN poised for clinical translation.