Phenomic Analysis of Chronic Granulomatous Disease Reveals More Severe Integumentary Infections in X-Linked Compared With Autosomal Recessive Chronic Granulomatous Disease

Advancements in Immunology and Microbiology Research: A Comprehensive Exploration of Key Areas

Immunology and microbiology research has witnessed remarkable growth and innovation globally, playing a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of immune mechanisms, disease pathogenesis, and therapeutic interventions. This manuscript presents a comprehensive exploration of the key areas in immunology research, spanning from the utilisation of bacterial proteins as antibody reagents to the intricate realms of clinical immunology and disease management. The utilisation of bacterial immunoglobulin-binding proteins (IBPs), including protein A (SpA), protein G (SpG), and protein L (SpL), has revolutionised serological diagnostics, showing promise in early disease detection and precision medicine. Microbiological studies have shed light on antimicrobial resistance patterns, particularly the emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), guiding antimicrobial stewardship programmes and informing therapeutic strategies. Clinical immunology research has elucidated the molecular pathways underlying immune-mediated disorders, resulting in tailored management strategies for conditions such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE), etc. Additionally, significant efforts in vaccine development against tuberculosis and HIV are highlighted, underscoring the ongoing global pursuit of effective preventive measures against these infectious diseases. In summary, immunology and microbiology research have provided significant contributions to global healthcare, fostering collaboration, innovation, and improved patient outcomes.

[Chest computed tomography manifestations in neonates with chronic granulomatous disease]

OBJECTIVES

To study chest computed tomography (CT) manifestations in neonates with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) to provide clues for early diagnosis of this disease.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and chest CT scan results of neonates diagnosed with CGD from January 2015 to December 2022 at Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital.

RESULTS

Nine neonates with CGD were included, with eight presenting respiratory symptoms as the initial sign. Chest CT findings included: consolidation in all 9 cases; nodules in all 9 cases, characterized by multiple, variably sized scattered nodules in both lungs; masses in 4 cases; cavities in 3 cases; abscesses in 6 cases; bronchial stenosis in 2 cases; pleural effusion, interstitial changes, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy each in 1 case. CT enhancement scans showed nodules and masses with uneven or ring-shaped enhancement; no signs of pulmonary emphysema, lung calcification, halo signs, crescent signs, bronchiectasis, or scar lesions were observed. There was no evidence of rib or vertebral bone destruction. Fungal infections were present in 8 of the 9 cases, including 6 with Aspergillus infections; three of these involved mixed infections with Aspergillus, with masses most commonly associated with mixed Aspergillus infections (3/4).

CONCLUSIONS

The primary manifestations of neonatal CGD on chest CT are consolidation, nodules, and/or masses, with Aspergillus as a common pathogen. These features can serve as early diagnostic clues for neonatal CGD.

Effect of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for chronic granulomatous disease in children: A multicentre, retrospective cohort study in China

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) in children is a rare primary immunodeficiency disorder that can lead to life-threatening infections and inflammatory complications. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is increasingly being used to treat severe CGD in children. We conducted a multicenter retrospective analysis of children with CGD who were treated with allo-HSCT at four pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant centers in China from September 2005 to December 2019. The study included a total of 171 patients (169 males and 2 females). The median age at the time of transplantation was 6.1 (0-16.4) years. Among them, 154 patients had X-linked recessive inheritance caused by CYBB gene mutations, 12 patients were autosomal recessive, 1 patient had DNAH11 and HYDIN gene mutations, and 4 patients had no gene mutations. The median follow-up period was 36.3 (1.9-79) months. All participating patients were applied to myeloablative conditioning (MAC) regimens. The rates of OS, EFS, and GEFS within three years were 87.5%, 85.3%, and 75.2%, respectively. The total graft failure and the total mortality rate were 5.3% and 11.1%. The cumulative incidence of acute GVHD was 53.8% and the incidence of chronic GVHD was 12.9%, The incidence of chronic GVHD was higher for patients who received unrelated donor cord blood stem cell transplantation (UD-CB) (P = 0.001). Chronic GVHD and coinfections are the risk factors for OS and EFS in patients with CGD after receiving allo-HSCT. UD-CB is a risk factor for EFS and the presence of pneumonia before transplantation is a risk factor for OS. In conclusion, through this study, we have demonstrated that allo-HSCT has excellent efficacy in the treatment of CGD in children, especially, RD-haplo is associated with a lower rate of graft failure incidence and mortality than the treatment modalities of other donor type. Therefore, allo-HSCT is strongly recommended when a well-matched donor is available. If a well-matched donor is not available, the HLA-mismatched donor should be carefully evaluated, and the conditioning regimen modified accordingly.

Recent topics and advanced therapies in chronic granulomatous disease

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by the inability of phagocytes to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) owing to a defect in any of the five components (CYBB/gp91phox, CYBA/p22phox, NCF1/p47phox, NCF2/p67phox, and NCF4/p40phox) and a concomitant regulatory component of Rac1/2 and CYBC1/Eros of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex. Patients with CGD are at an increased risk of life-threatening infections caused by catalase-positive bacteria and fungi and of inflammatory complications such as CGD colitis. Antimicrobial and azole antifungal prophylaxes have considerably reduced the incidence and severity of bacterial and improved fungal infections and overall survival. CGD studies have revealed the precise epidemiology and role of NADPH oxidase in innate immunity which has led to a new understanding of the importance of phagocyte oxygen metabolism in various host-defense systems and the fields leading to cell death processes. Moreover, ROS plays central roles in the determination of cell fate as secondary messengers and by modifying of various signaling molecules. According to this increasing knowledge about the effects of ROS on the inflammasomal system, immunomodulatory treatments, such as IFN-γ and anti-IL-1 antibodies, have been established. This review covers the current topics in CGD and the relationship between ROS and ROS-mediated pathophysiological phenomena. In addition to the shirt summary of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and gene therapy, we introduce a novel ROS-producing enzyme replacement therapy using PEG-fDAO to compensate for NADPH oxidase deficiency.

T Cell Abnormalities in X-Linked Agammaglobulinaemia: an Updated Review

X-linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA) is a primary immunodeficiency (PID) resulting from a defect in the B cell development. It has conventionally been thought that T cells play a major role in the development and function of the B cell compartment. However, it has also been shown that B cells and T cells undergo bidirectional interactions and B cells also influence the structure and function of the T cell compartment. Patients with XLA offer a unique opportunity to understand the effect of absent B cells on the T cell compartment. In this review, we provide an update on abnormalities in the T cell compartment in patients with XLA. Studies have shown impaired memory T cells, follicular helper T cells, T regulatory cells and T helper 17 in patients with XLA. In addition, these patients have also been reported to have abnormal delayed cell-mediated immune responses and vaccine-specific T cell-mediated immune responses; defective T helper cell polarization and impaired T cell receptor diversity. At present, the clinical significance of these T cell abnormalities has not been studied in detail. However, these abnormalities may result in an increased risk of viral infections, autoimmunity, autoinflammation and possibly chronic lung disease. Abnormal response to SARS-Cov2 vaccine in patients with XLA and prolonged persistence of SARS-Cov2 virus in the respiratory tract of these patients may be related to abnormalities in the T cell compartment.