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The impact of biological sex on diseases of the urinary tract. Mucosal Immunol 2022; 15:857-866. [PMID: 35869147 PMCID: PMC9305688 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-022-00549-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Biological sex, being female or male, broadly influences diverse immune phenotypes, including immune responses to diseases at mucosal surfaces. Sex hormones, sex chromosomes, sexual dimorphism, and gender differences all contribute to how an organism will respond to diseases of the urinary tract, such as bladder infection or cancer. Although the incidence of urinary tract infection is strongly sex biased, rates of infection change over a lifetime in women and men, suggesting that accompanying changes in the levels of sex hormones may play a role in the response to infection. Bladder cancer is also sex biased in that 75% of newly diagnosed patients are men. Bladder cancer development is shaped by contributions from both sex hormones and sex chromosomes, demonstrating that the influence of sex on disease can be complex. With a better understanding of how sex influences disease and immunity, we can envision sex-specific therapies to better treat diseases of the urinary tract and potentially diseases of other mucosal tissues.
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Rahimi G, Rahimi B, Panahi M, Abkhiz S, Saraygord-Afshari N, Milani M, Alizadeh E. An overview of Betacoronaviruses-associated severe respiratory syndromes, focusing on sex-type-specific immune responses. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 92:107365. [PMID: 33440306 PMCID: PMC7797024 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Emerging beta-coronaviruses (β-CoVs), including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoV-1 (SARS-CoV-1), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-CoV (MERS-CoV), and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID19) are responsible for acute respiratory illnesses in human. The epidemiological features of the SARS, MERS, and new COVID-19 have revealed sex-dependent variations in the infection, frequency, treatment, and fatality rates of these syndromes. Females are likely less susceptible to viral infections, perhaps due to their steroid hormone levels, the impact of X-linked genes, and the sex-based immune responses. Although mostly inactive, the X chromosome makes the female's immune system more robust. The extra immune-regulatory genes of the X chromosome are associated with lower levels of viral load and decreased infection rate. Moreover, a higher titer of the antibodies and their longer blood circulation half-life are involved in a more durable immune protection in females. The activation rate of the immune cells and the production of TLR7 and IFN are more prominent in females. Although the bi-allelic expression of the immune regulatory genes can sometimes lead to autoimmune reactions, the higher titer of TLR7 in females is further associated with a stronger anti-viral immune response. Considering these sex-related differences and the similarities between the SARS, MERS, and COVID-19, we will discuss them in immune responses against the β-CoVs-associated syndromes. We aim to provide information on sex-based disease susceptibility and response. A better understanding of the evasion strategies of pathogens and the host immune responses can provide worthful insights into immunotherapy, and vaccine development approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golbarg Rahimi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Esfahan, Esfahan, Iran
| | - Bahareh Rahimi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Panahi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shadi Abkhiz
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Saraygord-Afshari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Milani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences and Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,Corresponding authors at: Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Golgasht Street, Tabriz 5166/15731, Iran (M. Milani). Drug Applied Research Center and Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Golgasht Street, Tabriz 5166/15731, Iran (E. Alizadeh)
| | - Effat Alizadeh
- Drug Applied Research Center and Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,Corresponding authors at: Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Golgasht Street, Tabriz 5166/15731, Iran (M. Milani). Drug Applied Research Center and Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Golgasht Street, Tabriz 5166/15731, Iran (E. Alizadeh)
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Bernstock JD, Totten AH, Elkahloun AG, Johnson KR, Hurst AC, Goldman F, Groves AK, Mikhail FM, Atkinson TP. Recurrent microdeletions at chromosome 2p11.2 are associated with thymic hypoplasia and features resembling DiGeorge syndrome. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2019; 145:358-367.e2. [PMID: 31600545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2019.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymic hypoplasia/aplasia occurs as a part of DiGeorge syndrome, which has several known genetic causes, and with loss-of-function mutations in forkhead box N1 (FOXN1). OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the cause of selective T-cell lymphopenia with inverted kappa/lambda ratio in several kindreds. METHODS Patients were identified through newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency using the T-cell receptor excision circle assay. Those found to have selective T-cell lymphopenia underwent testing with chromosomal microarray analysis. Three-week-old mice heterozygous for a loss-of-function mutation in forkhead box I3 (FOXI3), a candidate gene within the common deleted region found in patients, were compared with wild-type littermates. Assessments included body and organ weights, flow cytometric analysis of thymocytes and splenocytes, and histologic/transcriptomic analyses of thymic tissue. RESULTS Five kindreds with similar immunophenotypes that included selective T-cell lymphopenia had overlapping microdeletions at chromosome 2p11.2 that spanned FOXI3 and, in most cases, the immunoglobulin kappa light chain locus. Studies in a mouse knockout strain for FOXI3 revealed smaller body weights and relatively lower thymus weights in heterozygous compared with wild-type animals. Histology and flow cytometry on spleens and thymi from 3-week-old pups for T- and B-cell subsets and epithelial cells did not show any significant qualitative or quantitative differences. Transcriptomic analysis of thymic RNA revealed divergence in global transcriptomic signatures, and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed predicted dysfunction in epithelial adherens junctions. CONCLUSIONS Microdeletions at chromosome 2p11.2 are associated with T-cell lymphopenia and probable thymic hypoplasia in human subjects, and haploinsufficiency for FOXI3, a candidate gene within the deleted region, is the likely underlying cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Bernstock
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala
| | - Arthur H Totten
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala
| | - Abdel G Elkahloun
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
| | - Kory R Johnson
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
| | - Anna C Hurst
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala
| | - Frederick Goldman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala
| | - Andrew K Groves
- Department of Neuroscience and Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex
| | - Fady M Mikhail
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala
| | - T Prescott Atkinson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala.
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Kametani Y, Shiina T, Suzuki R, Sasaki E, Habu S. Comparative immunity of antigen recognition, differentiation, and other functional molecules: similarities and differences among common marmosets, humans, and mice. Exp Anim 2018; 67:301-312. [PMID: 29415910 PMCID: PMC6083031 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.17-0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The common marmoset (CM; Callithrix jacchus) is a small New World monkey
with a high rate of pregnancy and is maintained in closed colonies as an experimental
animal species. Although CMs are used for immunological research, such as studies of
autoimmune disease and infectious disease, their immunological characteristics are less
defined than those of other nonhuman primates. We and others have analyzed antigen
recognition-related molecules, the development of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and the
molecules involved in the immune response. CMs systemically express Caja-G, a major
histocompatibility complex class I molecule, and the ortholog of HLA-G, a suppressive
nonclassical HLA class I molecule. HSCs express CD117, while CD34 is not essential for
multipotency. CD117+ cells developed into all hematopoietic cell lineages, but compared
with human HSCs, B cells did not extensively develop when HSCs were transplanted into an
immunodeficient mouse. Although autoimmune models have been successfully established,
sensitization of CMs with some bacteria induced a low protective immunity. In CMs, B cells
were observed in the periphery, but IgG levels were very low compared with those in humans
and mice. This evidence suggests that CM immunity is partially suppressed systemically.
Such immune regulation might benefit pregnancy in CMs, which normally deliver dizygotic
twins, the placentae of which are fused and the immune cells of which are mixed. In this
review, we describe the CM immune system and discuss the possibility of using CMs as a
model of human immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshie Kametani
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-shi, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Takashi Shiina
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-shi, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Ryuji Suzuki
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, Sagamihara National Hospital, National Hospital Organization, 18-1 Sakuradai, Minami-ku, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa 252-0392, Japan
| | - Erika Sasaki
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals,3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan
| | - Sonoko Habu
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
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Allelic Variation in the Toll-Like Receptor Adaptor Protein Ticam2 Contributes to SARS-Coronavirus Pathogenesis in Mice. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2017; 7:1653-1663. [PMID: 28592648 PMCID: PMC5473747 DOI: 10.1534/g3.117.041434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Host genetic variation is known to contribute to differential pathogenesis following infection. Mouse models allow direct assessment of host genetic factors responsible for susceptibility to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Based on an assessment of early stage lines from the Collaborative Cross mouse multi-parent population, we identified two lines showing highly divergent susceptibilities to SARS-CoV: the resistant CC003/Unc and the susceptible CC053/Unc. We generated 264 F2 mice between these strains, and infected them with SARS-CoV. Weight loss, pulmonary hemorrhage, and viral load were all highly correlated disease phenotypes. We identified a quantitative trait locus of major effect on chromosome 18 (27.1–58.6 Mb) which affected weight loss, viral titer and hemorrhage. Additionally, each of these three phenotypes had distinct quantitative trait loci [Chr 9 (weight loss), Chrs 7 and 12 (virus titer), and Chr 15 (hemorrhage)]. We identified Ticam2, an adaptor protein in the TLR signaling pathways, as a candidate driving differential disease at the Chr 18 locus. Ticam2−/− mice were highly susceptible to SARS-CoV infection, exhibiting increased weight loss and more pulmonary hemorrhage than control mice. These results indicate a critical role for Ticam2 in SARS-CoV disease, and highlight the importance of host genetic variation in disease responses.
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Almeida-Porada G, Atala A, Porada CD. In utero stem cell transplantation and gene therapy: rationale, history, and recent advances toward clinical application. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2016; 5:16020. [PMID: 27069953 PMCID: PMC4813605 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2016.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in high-throughput molecular testing have made it possible to diagnose most genetic disorders relatively early in gestation with minimal risk to the fetus. These advances should soon allow widespread prenatal screening for the majority of human genetic diseases, opening the door to the possibility of treatment/correction prior to birth. In addition to the obvious psychological and financial benefits of curing a disease in utero, and thereby enabling the birth of a healthy infant, there are multiple biological advantages unique to fetal development, which provide compelling rationale for performing potentially curative treatments, such as stem cell transplantation or gene therapy, prior to birth. Herein, we briefly review the fields of in utero transplantation (IUTx) and in utero gene therapy and discuss the biological hurdles that have thus far restricted success of IUTx to patients with immunodeficiencies. We then highlight several recent experimental breakthroughs in immunology, hematopoietic/marrow ontogeny, and in utero cell delivery, which have collectively provided means of overcoming these barriers, thus setting the stage for clinical application of these highly promising therapies in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graça Almeida-Porada
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher D Porada
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
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Fischer J, Jung N, Robinson N, Lehmann C. Sex differences in immune responses to infectious diseases. Infection 2015; 43:399-403. [PMID: 25956991 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-015-0791-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The influence of sex hormones is recognized to account for the susceptibility and distinct outcomes of diverse infectious diseases. METHODS This review discusses several variables including differences in behavior and exposure to pathogens, genetic, and immunological factors. CONCLUSION Understanding sex-based differences in immunity during different infectious diseases is crucial in order to provide optimal disease management for both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Fischer
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50934, Cologne, Germany
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Alhajjat AM, Lee AE, Strong BS, Shaaban AF. NK cell tolerance as the final endorsement of prenatal tolerance after in utero hematopoietic cellular transplantation. Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:51. [PMID: 25852555 PMCID: PMC4364176 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary benefits of in utero hematopoietic cellular transplantation (IUHCT) arise from transplanting curative cells prior to the immunologic maturation of the fetus. However, this approach has been routinely successful only in the treatment of congenital immunodeficiency diseases that include an inherent NK cell deficiency despite the existence of normal maternal immunity in either setting. These observations raise the possibility that fetal NK cells function as an early barrier to allogeneic IUHCT. Herein, we summarize the findings of previous studies of prenatal NK cell allospecific tolerance in mice and in humans. Cumulatively, this new information reveals the complexity of the fetal immune response in the setting of rejection or tolerance and illustrates the role for fetal NK cells in the final endorsement of allospecific prenatal tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir M Alhajjat
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Amanda E Lee
- Center for Fetal Cellular and Molecular Therapy and The Department of Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Beverly S Strong
- Center for Fetal Cellular and Molecular Therapy and The Department of Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Aimen F Shaaban
- Center for Fetal Cellular and Molecular Therapy and The Department of Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH USA
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Abstract
Inborn errors of the genes encoding two of the four human JAKs (JAK3 and TYK2) and three of the six human STATs (STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5B) have been described. We review the disorders arising from mutations in these five genes, highlighting the way in which the molecular and cellular pathogenesis of these conditions has been clarified by the discovery of inborn errors of cytokines, hormones, and their receptors, including those interacting with JAKs and STATs. The phenotypic similarities between mice and humans lacking individual JAK-STAT components suggest that the functions of JAKs and STATs are largely conserved in mammals. However, a wide array of phenotypic differences has emerged between mice and humans carrying biallelic null alleles of JAK3, TYK2, STAT1, or STAT5B. Moreover, the high degree of allelic heterogeneity at the human JAK3, TYK2, STAT1, and STAT3 loci has revealed highly diverse immunological and clinical phenotypes, which had not been anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Laurent Casanova
- St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Rockefeller Branch, The Rockefeller University, Rockefeller University Hospital, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Rabkin SW. Nitric oxide and peroxynitrite induce gene expression of interleukin receptors increasing IL-21, IL-7, IL-1 and oncostatin M in cardiomyocytes. Life Sci 2010; 86:45-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2009.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2009] [Revised: 11/03/2009] [Accepted: 11/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Abstract
Sex-based differences in immune responses can influence the susceptibility to autoimmune and infectious diseases and the efficacy of therapeutic drugs. In this Perspective, Eleanor Fish discusses factors, such as X-linked genes, hormones and societal context, that underlie disparate immune responses in men and women. Despite accumulating evidence in support of sex-based differences in innate and adaptive immune responses, in the susceptibility to infectious diseases and in the prevalence of autoimmune diseases, health research and clinical practice do not address these distinctions, and most research studies of immune responses do not stratify by sex. X-linked genes, hormones and societal context are among the many factors that contribute to disparate immune responses in males and females. It is crucial to address sex-based differences in disease pathogenesis and in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of therapeutic medications to provide optimal disease management for both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor N Fish
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Women's College Research Institute, Ontario, Canada.
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Clinical and immunologic consequences of a somatic reversion in a patient with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency. Blood 2008; 112:4090-7. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2008-04-153361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency is a life-threatening disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding the interleukin-2 receptor gamma chain (IL2RG). Hypomorphic mutations and reversion of mutations in subpopulations of cells can result in variant clinical phenotypes, making diagnosis and treatment difficult. We describe a 5-year-old boy with mild susceptibility to infection who was investigated for a mutation in IL2RG due to persistent natural killer (NK)– and T-cell lymphopenia. A functionally relevant novel T466C point mutation was found in B, NK, and epithelial cells, whereas α/β and γ/δ T cells showed the normal gene sequence, suggesting reversion of the mutation in a common T-cell precursor. This genetic correction in T cells resulted in a diverse T-cell repertoire and significant immunity despite failure to produce specific antibodies linked to an intrinsic defect of mutant B cells. These observations confirm the potential of revertant T-cell precursors to reconstitute immune function, but questions remain on the longevity of revertant cells implicating the need for careful follow up and early consideration of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
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Abstract
The Janus family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and tyrosine kinase 2) transduces signals downstream of type I and II cytokine receptors via signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs). JAK3 is important in lymphoid and JAK2 in myeloid cell proliferation and differentiation. The thrombopoietin receptor MPL is one of several JAK2 cognate receptors and is essential for myelopoiesis in general and megakaryopoiesis in particular. Germline loss-of-function (LOF) JAK3 and MPL mutations cause severe combined immunodeficiency and congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia, respectively. Germline gain-of-function (GOF) MPL mutation (MPLS505N) causes familial thrombocytosis. Somatic JAK3 (e.g. JAK3A572V, JAK3V722I, JAK3P132T) and fusion JAK2 (e.g. ETV6-JAK2, PCM1-JAK2, BCR-JAK2) mutations have respectively been described in acute megakaryocytic leukemia and acute leukemia/chronic myeloid malignancies. However, current attention is focused on JAK2 (e.g. JAK2V617F, JAK2 exon 12 mutations) and MPL (e.g. MPLW515L/K/S, MPLS505N) mutations associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). A JAK2 mutation, primarily JAK2V617F, is invariably associated with polycythemia vera (PV). The latter mutation also occurs in the majority of patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) or primary myelofibrosis (PMF). MPL mutational frequency in MPNs is substantially less (<10%). In general, despite a certain degree of genotype - phenotype correlations, the prognostic relevance of harbouring one of these mutations, or their allele burden when present, remains dubious. Regardless, based on the logical assumption that amplified JAK-STAT signalling is central to the pathogenesis of PV, ET and PMF, several anti-JAK2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been developed and are currently being tested in humans with these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayalew Tefferi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cytokines are soluble mediators involved in the development or function of the immune system. This paper reviews the literature on childhood-onset inherited disorders associated with impaired cytokine-mediated immunity. RECENT FINDINGS Cytokine-mediated immunity defects can be classified into seven different groups: defects in the interleukin (IL)-7 receptor (IL7RA), in the common cytokine receptor gamma chain (gammac) of the IL-2, -4, -7, -15, and -21, and in Jak3 (JAK3) downstream of the gamma chain; mutation in the IL-2 receptor alpha (IL-2RA) and defective expression of the IL-2Rbeta chain; mutations in the gene encoding for a chemokine receptor, CXCR4; mutations in five genes involved in the IL-12/23-interferon-gamma axis (IL12B, IL12RB1, IFNGR1, IFNGR2, STAT1); mutations in three genes involved in the nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathway (IRAK4, NEMO, IkappaBA); mutations in the tumor necrosis factor receptor signaling pathway (TNFRSF1A); and mutations in the transforming growth factor-1 gene (TGFB1). SUMMARY Genetic cytokine-mediated immunity defects are associated with a highly heterogeneous group of clinical features, ranging from susceptibility to infections to developmental defects. This heterogeneity highlights the diversity and pleiotropy of cytokines. It is likely that many more cytokine defects and their responsive pathways will be discovered in the coming years, expanding further the heterogeneity associated with this group of childhood-onset illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Capucine Picard
- Unité d'Immunologie et d'Hématologie Pédiatriques, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, and Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine des Maladies Infectieuses, Université de Paris René Descartes-INSERM U550, Faculté de Médecine Necker, Paris, France.
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