Molecular and clinical characterization of a founder mutation causing G6PC3 deficiency.

Background: G6PC3 deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that causes syndromic congenital neutropenia. It is driven by the intracellular accumulation of a metabolite named 1,5-anhydroglucitol-6-phosphate (1,5-AG6P) that inhibits glycolysis. Patients display heterogeneous extra-hematological manifestations, contributing to delayed diagnosis. Objective: The G6PC3 c.210delC variant has been identified in patients of Mexican origin. We set out to study the origin and functional consequence of this mutation. Furthermore, we sought to characterize the clinical phenotypes caused by it. Methods: Using whole-genome sequencing data, we conducted haplotype analysis to estimate the age of this allele and traced its ancestral origin. We examined how this mutation affected G6PC3 protein expression and performed extracellular flux assays on patient-derived cells to characterize how this mutation impacts glycolysis. Finally, we compared the clinical presentations of patients with the c.210delC mutation relative to other G6PC3 deficient patients published to date. Results: Based on the length of haplotypes shared amongst ten carriers of the G6PC3 c.210delC mutation, we estimated that this variant originated in a common ancestor of indigenous American origin. The mutation causes a frameshift that introduces a premature stop codon, leading to a complete loss of G6PC3 protein expression. When treated with 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG), the precursor to 1,5-AG6P, patient-derived cells exhibited markedly reduced engagement of glycolysis. Clinically, c.210delC carriers display all the clinical features of syndromic severe congenital neutropenia type 4 observed in prior reports of G6PC3 deficiency. Conclusion: The G6PC3 c.210delC is a loss-of-function mutation that arose from a founder effect in the indigenous Mexican population. These findings may facilitate the diagnosis of additional patients in this geographical area. Moreover, the in vitro 1,5-AG-dependent functional assay used in our study could be employed to assess the pathogenicity of additional G6PC3 variants.

Combined Treatment of Progressive Encephalitis in an X-linked Agammaglobulinemia Patient.

Most patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia are susceptible to infections, while some cases also suffer from inflammatory or autoimmune complications. We describe a patient with progressive encephalitis who improved after the use of immunomodulatory treatment with corticosteroids, fluoxetine, and nitazoxanide. In most of the cases the evolution of the progressive encephalitis is complicated and catastrophic. Based on our experience and the review of the literature, we propose the use of this combined treatment to control this devastating complication.

Role of Protein Kinase A Activation in the Immune System with an Emphasis on Lipopolysaccharide-Responsive and Beige-like Anchor Protein in B Cells.

Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) is a ubiquitous enzymatic complex that is involved in a broad spectrum of intracellular receptor signaling. The activity of PKA depends on A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) that attach to PKAs close to their substrates to control signaling. Although the relevance of PKA-AKAP signaling in the immune system is evident in T cells, its relevance in B and other immune cells remains relatively unclear. In the last decade, lipopolysaccharide-responsive and beige-like anchor protein (LRBA) has emerged as an AKAP that is ubiquitously expressed in B and T cells, specifically after activation. A deficiency of LRBA leads to immune dysregulation and immunodeficiency. The cellular mechanisms regulated by LRBA have not yet been investigated. Therefore, this review summarizes the functions of PKA in immunity and provides the most recent information regarding LRBA deficiency to deepen our understanding of immune regulation and immunological diseases.

Activating de novo monoallelic variants causing inborn errors of immunity in two unrelated children born of HIV-seroconcordant couples.

INTRODUCTION: Around 20% of all inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are autosomal dominant or monoallelic, either by haploinsufficiency, negative dominance, or gain of function (GOF). GOF phenotypes usually include autoinflammation, autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, allergies, and some infections. CASE SERIES: We describe the cases of two unrelated patients born of HIV-seroconcordant parents. Both patients are HIV-negative but carry de novo GOF missense variants that resulted in inflammatory lymphoproliferative IEI diseases: signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-GOF and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, catalytic delta (PIK3CD)-GOF. Both variants were found through whole-exome sequencing and confirmed by Sanger.An 11-year-old male with recurrent sinopulmonary infections, dysmorphism, growth delay, bronchiectasis, and mild mental retardation, as well as lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and high immunoglobulin M. Both his parents were known to be HIV-positive under anti-retroviral treatment. HIV infection was repeatedly ruled out in the patient, whom through whole-exome sequencing was found to have a heterozygous missense variant in exon 24 of PIK3CD, a hotspot transition, and the most reported variant in PIK3CD-GOF patients.A 6-year-old male with autoimmune hemolytic anemia, lymphoproliferation, short stature, and intractable diarrhea. Both his parents were found to be HIV-positive. HIV was repeatedly ruled out in the patient by ELISA and viral load. He was found to have a heterozygous missense/splice variant in exon 22 of STAT3, a hotspot transition, and the most reported variant in STAT3-GOF patients. DISCUSSION: The AID/APOBEC3 A-H family of proteins are cytidine deaminases that induce G>A hypermutation in both the invading viral DNA and the host genome, which results in stop codons inside the endogenized retroviral sequence. Both variants found in our patients are G to A transitions. Retroviral infection might thus have resulted in host genome instability, and our patients' rare congenital diseases are the unfortunate consequence of somatic hypermutation in one of their parents' gametes.

Improved HUMARA for the Detection of X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia Carriers.

Background: Fragment analysis of exon 1 of the human androgen receptor, known as HUMARA, is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method for detecting X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) carriers. This method takes advantage of X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) in female cells. XLA is caused by mutations in the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) gene, located in Xq22.1. In this study, XCI is nonrandom or skewed in B-cells. B-cells with an active X-chromosome carrying a BTK mutation do not mature. Peripheral B-cells in XLA carriers inactivate the mutated X-chromosome. Methods: HUMARA was performed using DNA from purified B-cells and total leukocytes. DNA was digested using methylation-sensitive HhaI. The PCR of the HUMARA polymorphic marker was performed with the HhaI digested samples. The lengths of the PCR products were determined. If a suspected carrier showed skewed XCI in their B-cells, the marker length that corresponded with the length determined in the index patient indicated their carrier status. Results: HUMARA was conducted on purified B-cells; this allowed easier identification of the mutated or inactive allele, as the active allele was enzymatically digested. Analysis of 30 possible carriers using modified HUMARA corroborated that the carrier status in all samples that were heterozygous for the marker using XCI calculation for leukocytes showed a Gaussian distribution, while the carrier B-cell DNA showed a skewed XCI. Conclusion: Carrier status was successfully determined for most of the analyzed samples. B-cell enrichment resulted in precise carrier determination data, reduced the sample size, and facilitated inactive and active allele identification.

Atypical patterns of STAT3 phosphorylation in subpopulations B cells in patients with common variable immunodeficiency.

BACKGROUND: Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by defective B cell differentiation and antibody production. Interleukin (IL)-21 activates STAT3, a potent regulator of B cell differentiation into plasma cells. We have studied the phosphorylation of STAT3 in CVID patients and its contribution to B cells subsets. METHODS: We studied 23 CVID patients and 14 healthy donors (HD), determining pSTAT3 in naïve and memory B cells, stimulated with IL-21 at 15 and 60 min. RESULTS: pSTAT3 was increased in total (p = 0.044), naïve (p = 0.023), and memory (p = 0.001) B cells at 60 min in CVID patients compared with HD. We classified patients by the percentage of isotype-switched memory B cells. We observed an increase in pSTAT3 at 60 min in memory B cells in both CVID groups of patients (p = 0.026, p = 0.007, respectively). Interestingly, the analysis of each group individually; demonstrated that patients with decreased memory B cells exhibited an increase in pSTAT3 at 60 min (p = 0.023), while HD had an expected decrease in pSTAT3 (p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: CVID patients showed an increased atypical of pSTAT3, which could affect the differentiation of B cells. Further studies in the IL-21 pathway are necessary to understand how this alteration could promote differentiation defects in patient B cells.

CD38 Correlates with an Immunosuppressive Treg Phenotype in Lupus-Prone Mice.

CD38 is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed by T-cells. It has been reported that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) showed increased CD38+CD25+ T-cells correlating with immune activation and clinical signs. Contrariwise, CD38 deficiency in murine models has shown enhanced autoimmunity development. Recent studies have suggested that CD38+ regulatory T-cells are more suppressive than CD38- regulatory T-cells. Thus, we have suggested that CD38 overexpression in SLE patients could play a role in regulating immune activation cells instead of enhancing it. This study found a correlation between CD38 with FoxP3 expression and immunosuppressive molecules (CD69, IL-10, CTLA-4, and PD-1) in T-cells from lupus-prone mice (B6.MRL-Faslpr/J). Additionally, B6.MRL-Faslpr/J mice showed a decreased proportion of CD38+ Treg cells regarding wild-type mice (WT). Furthermore, Regulatory T-Cells (Treg cells) from CD38-/- mice showed impairment in expressing immunosuppressive molecules and proliferation after stimulation through the T-cell receptor (TCR). Finally, we demonstrated an increased ratio of IFN-γ/IL-10 secretion in CD38-/- splenocytes stimulated with anti-CD3 compared with the WT. Altogether, our data suggest that CD38 represents an element in maintaining activated and proliferative Treg cells. Consequently, CD38 could have a crucial role in immune tolerance, preventing SLE development through Treg cells.

COVID-19 in the Context of Inborn Errors of Immunity: a Case Series of 31 Patients from Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) have a compromised or inappropriate immune response. Although they might be considered a high-risk group for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, the reported impact of COVID-19 in these patients has been reassuring, while the differential susceptibility of distinct types of IEI remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe the findings and outcomes of our known patients with IEI who were diagnosed with COVID-19. METHODS: In a retrospective study from March 2020 to February 2021, four centers in Mexico collected clinical, laboratory, and genetic data from pediatric and adult patients with known diagnoses of IEI who presented with COVID-19, based on compatible symptoms and positive SARS-CoV-2 testing or known household exposure. RESULTS: We report 31 patients with known IEI from Mexico who presented with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Seventy-four percent were male, 52% were pediatric, and 81% survived. Their ages ranged from 5 months to 56 years, with a median of 17 years. Sixty-five percent had predominant antibody deficiencies, 48% were hospitalized, and 26% required ICU. Pediatric patients had a higher hospital admission rate than adults. Inpatient mortality was 40%, and ICU mortality rate was 63%. Forty-eight percent developed pneumonia, while 36% had evidence of hyperinflammation (4 adults and 7 children). Predominant laboratory features were lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia, seen in 70 and 44% of patients, respectively. The serum D-dimer median value was 2.6 (0.5-20.6) µg/mL, and the median highest ferritin value was 1015 (32-10,303) ng/mL. Intravenous immunoglobulin was used in 80% of patients. Other treatments included macrolides (39%) and corticosteroids (29%). Six patients died from secondary infection or uncontrolled systemic inflammation. DISCUSSION: Although impaired immunity due to IEI may be a predisposing factor for severe COVID-19, most of our patients with IEI who acquired the SARS-CoV-2 infection developed a well-tolerated infection and survived, as have more than 80% of worldwide reported patients to date. An impaired immune or inflammatory response may be a predisposing factor for some and a protective factor for others. A systematic review of the literature could help identify those patients at risk of severe disease and complications. Healthcare-associated infections should be aggressively prevented.

Inherited GATA2 Deficiency Is Dominant by Haploinsufficiency and Displays Incomplete Clinical Penetrance.

PURPOSE: Germline heterozygous mutations of GATA2 underlie a variety of hematological and clinical phenotypes. The genetic, immunological, and clinical features of GATA2-deficient patients with mycobacterial diseases in the familial context remain largely unknown. METHODS: We enrolled 15 GATA2 index cases referred for mycobacterial disease. We describe their genetic and clinical features including their relatives. RESULTS: We identified 12 heterozygous GATA2 mutations, two of which had not been reported. Eight of these mutations were loss-of-function, and four were hypomorphic. None was dominant-negative in vitro, and the GATA2 locus was found to be subject to purifying selection, strongly suggesting a mechanism of haploinsufficiency. Three relatives of index cases had mycobacterial disease and were also heterozygous, resulting in 18 patients in total. Mycobacterial infection was the first clinical manifestation in 11 patients, at a mean age of 22.5 years (range: 12 to 42 years). Most patients also suffered from other infections, monocytopenia, or myelodysplasia. Strikingly, the clinical penetrance was incomplete (32.9% by age 40 years), as 16 heterozygous relatives aged between 6 and 78 years, including 4 older than 60 years, were completely asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: Clinical penetrance for mycobacterial disease was found to be similar to other GATA2 deficiency-related manifestations. These observations suggest that other mechanisms contribute to the phenotypic expression of GATA2 deficiency. A diagnosis of autosomal dominant GATA2 deficiency should be considered in patients with mycobacterial infections and/or other GATA2 deficiency-related phenotypes at any age in life. Moreover, all direct relatives should be genotyped at the GATA2 locus.

Infections With Enterohepatic Non-H. pylori Helicobacter Species in X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia: Clinical Cases and Review of the Literature.

The genus Helicobacter is classified into two main groups according to its habitat: gastric and enterohepatic. Patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) appear to be associated with invasive infection with enterohepatic non-Helicobacter pylori species (NHPH), mainly H. cinaedi and H. bilis. Such infections are difficult to control and have a high potential for recurrence. The spectrum of illnesses caused by these species includes recurrent fever, bacteremia, arthritis, osteomyelitis, cellulitis, abdominal abscesses, and pyoderma gangrenosum-like ulcer. The presence of these Helicobacters is particularly difficult to diagnose and eradicate, as they are very fastidious bacteria and present resistance to several types of antibiotics. We report two clinical cases of XLA patients infected with H. bilis. These infections were chronic in these patients and could not be eradicated in one of them. We also review the cases of enterohepatic non-Helicobacter pylori species (NHPH) in patients with this inborn error of immunity.

Lipopolysaccharide-responsive beige-like anchor acts as a cAMP-dependent protein kinase anchoring protein in B cells.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-responsive beige-like anchor (LRBA) protein was initially described as a monogenetic cause for common variable immune deficiency, a syndrome characterized by low levels of B cells, defects in memory B cell differentiation and hypogammaglobulinaemia. LRBA was identified as an LPS up-regulated gene in B cells, macrophages and T cells. LRBA weighs 320 kDa and has 2863 amino acids. Its sequence contains multiple domains, suggesting that LRBA can act as a scaffolding protein. It contains two putative binding sites for cAMP-dependent kinase (PKA) regulatory subunits, suggesting this protein can act as A-kinase anchor protein (AKAP); however, physical interactions involving LRBA and PKA have not been demonstrated to date, and functional roles for such interactions are unexplored. In this work, we investigated physical interactions involving LRBA with regulatory subunits of PKA in human B cell lines and primary human B cells. PKA is a holoenzyme composed of two regulatory subunits, which can be RIα, RIß, RIIα or RIIß, and two catalytic subunits, Cα or Cß. We co-immunoprecipitated LRBA using Ramos B cell lymphoma cells and observed that LRBA interacts with RIIß. Interestingly, St-Ht31, an inhibitory peptide that disrupts AKAP interactions with regulatory subunits, reduced the amount of interacting protein. Furthermore, in primary human B cells, LRBA was induced after CD40L and IL-4 stimulation, and under such activation, we found that LRBA interacts with RIIα and RIIß, suggesting that LRBA acts as an AKAP and binds RII subunits. Interestingly, we also identified that LRBA interacts with activation-induced cytidine deaminase in primary B cells, suggesting that it is involved in B cell function.

Flow-cytometry as an auxiliary in the diagnosis of primary humoral immunodeficiencies.

BACKGROUND: Antibody deficiencies encompass a wide spectrum of pathologies and constitute approximately 50 % of primary immunodeficiencies; with cytometry, it is possible to evaluate the immune status rapidly, effectively and at low cost. OBJECTIVE: To assess, by means of flow cytometry, the cells of patients with three types of primary humoral immunodeficiencies. METHOD: Using flow cytometry, blood samples from patients and healthy subjects were analyzed with different monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: Using various stains, a severe decrease in B lymphocytes was shown in patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia, as well as a lack of CD154 expression in patients with hyper-immunoglobulin M syndrome, and heterogeneity of B lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with common variable immunodeficiency. CONCLUSION: Flow cytometry enables early diagnosis of primary immunodeficiencies with a high level of confidence and, in many cases, identification of the genes involved.

ANTECEDENTES: Las deficiencias de anticuerpos abarcan un amplio espectro de patologías y constituyen aproximadamente 50 % de las inmunodeficiencias primarias; con la citometría es posible evaluar el estado inmunológico de forma rápida, efectiva y a bajo costo. OBJETIVO: Evaluar mediante citometría de flujo, las células de pacientes con tres tipos de inmunodeficiencias primarias humorales. MÉTODO: Mediante citometría de flujo se analizaron muestras de sangre de pacientes y sujetos sanos con distintos anticuerpos monoclonales. RESULTADOS: Mediante diversas tinciones se demostró disminución severa de linfocitos B en pacientes con agammaglobulinemia ligada al cromosoma X, la falta de expresión de CD154 en pacientes con síndrome de hiperinmunoglobulina M y heterogeneidad de subpoblaciones de linfocitos B en pacientes con inmunodeficiencia común variable. CONCLUSIÓN: Con la citometría de flujo es posible realizar el diagnóstico temprano de inmunodeficiencias primarias con un nivel de confianza elevado y, en muchos casos, identificar los genes implicados.

La citometría de flujo como auxiliar en el diagnóstico de las inmunodeficiencias primarias humorales / Flow-cytometry as an auxiliary in the diagnosis of primary humoral immunodeficiencies

Resumen Antecedentes: Las deficiencias de anticuerpos abarcan un amplio espectro de patologías y constituyen aproximadamente 50 % de las inmunodeficiencias primarias; con la citometría es posible evaluar el estado inmunológico de forma rápida, efectiva y a bajo costo. Objetivo: Evaluar mediante citometría de flujo, las células de pacientes con tres tipos de inmunodeficiencias primarias humorales. Método: Mediante citometría de flujo se analizaron muestras de sangre de pacientes y sujetos sanos con distintos anticuerpos monoclonales. Resultados: Mediante diversas tinciones se demostró disminución severa de linfocitos B en pacientes con agammaglobulinemia ligada al cromosoma X, la falta de expresión de CD154 en pacientes con síndrome de hiperinmunoglobulina M y heterogeneidad de subpoblaciones de linfocitos B en pacientes con inmunodeficiencia común variable. Conclusión: Con la citometría de flujo es posible realizar el diagnóstico temprano de inmunodeficiencias primarias con un nivel de confianza elevado y, en muchos casos, identificar los genes implicados.

Abstract Background: Antibody deficiencies encompass a wide spectrum of pathologies and constitute approximately 50 % of primary immunodeficiencies; with cytometry, it is possible to evaluate the immune status rapidly, effectively and at low cost. Objective: To assess, by means of flow cytometry, the cells of patients with three types of primary humoral immunodeficiencies. Method: Using flow cytometry, blood samples from patients and healthy subjects were analyzed with different monoclonal antibodies. Results: Using various stains, a severe decrease in B lymphocytes was shown in patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia, as well as a lack of CD154 expression in patients with hyper-immunoglobulin M syndrome, and heterogeneity of B lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with common variable immunodeficiency. Conclusion: Flow cytometry enables early diagnosis of primary immunodeficiencies with a high level of confidence and, in many cases, identification of the genes involved.

Naringenin mitigates autoimmune features in lupus-prone mice by modulation of T-cell subsets and cytokines profile.

Naringenin is flavonoid mainly found in citrus fruits which has shown several biological properties. In this work, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of the flavonoid Naringenin. Five-month-old B6.MRL-Faslpr/J lupus-prone mice were administered daily orally with Naringenin for seven months. We showed that Naringenin treatment at 50 or 100 mg/kg inhibited the splenomegaly and decreased the levels of anti-nuclear and anti-dsDNA autoantibodies. Furthermore, a reduction in serum concentration of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-6 was observed in the mice provided with Naringenin. Interestingly, serum levels of IL-10 increased. Naringenin decreased the frequency and absolute numbers of splenic effector memory T cells. Additionally, in order to be able to evaluate whether Naringenin prevented kidney damage, twelve-week-old MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/J mice, an accelerated lupus model, were orally administered with Naringenin at 100 mg/kg for six weeks. Surprisingly, Naringenin treatment prevented kidney damage and reduced the development of fibrosis similar to cyclophosphamide group. Moreover, Naringenin treatment increased the percentage of regulatory T cells in this aggressive model of lupus. Together, these results suggest a potential ability of Naringenin to reduce the autoimmunity in lupus-prone mice by modulation of T-cell subsets and cytokines profile that mitigate the development of important lupus clinical manifestations.

Kawasaki disease and immunodeficiencies in children: case reports and literature review.

Kawasaki disease (KD) has features that appear supporting an infectious cause with a secondary deranged inflammatory/autoimmune response. The association of KD in adults with human immunodeficiency virus infection and the presence of KD in patients with immunodeficiency disorders support the infectious theory. We present four KD patients associated with immunodeficiencies: one with X-linked agammaglobulinemia, one with HIV infection, and two with leukemia; one of these patients also had Down syndrome. We did a literature search to find out all reported cases of immunodeficiency with KD in children. In immunodeficiency disorders, the inability of the immune system to eradicate the pathogens coupled to an exaggerated inflammatory response, especially in chronic granulomatous disease, may lead to the development of KD. The study of patients with immunodeficiencies complicated with KD may shed light into the etiopathogenesis of the disease.

[Common variable immunodeficiency and its association with memory B-cell defects]. / Inmunodeficiencia común variable y su asociación con defectos en células B de memoria.

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most common symptomatic immunodeficiency in adulthood. CVID diagnosis is by exclusion and should be considered in patients of any age who have hypogammaglobulinemia of unknown origin. Numerous patients with CVID show alterations in the development of B lymphocytes, both in plasma cells and memory cells. The absence of memory B cells suggests an insufficient germinal reaction, which can be associated with a blockade of the transition of T1 cells into T2 in patients with IDCV, owing to B-cell activating factor (BAFF) receptor deficiency. In patients with IDCV, memory B cell alterations with isotype change favor the development of concomitant comorbidities such as lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, autoimmunity and granulomatous disease, and multiple classifications that use memory B cells in common have therefore been made trying to generate a classification of patients with IDCV, as well as to establish prognostic factors.

La inmunodeficiencia común variable (IDCV) es la inmunodeficiencia sintomática más común en la edad adulta. El diagnóstico de IDCV es de exclusión y debe considerarse en pacientes de cualquier edad que presenten hipogammaglobulinemia sin causa conocida. Numerosos pacientes con IDCV presentan alteraciones en el desarrollo de los linfocitos B, tanto en las células plasmáticas como de memoria. La ausencia de células B de memoria sugiere una reacción germinal insuficiente que puede asociarse con bloqueo de la transición de células T1 a T2 en pacientes con IDCV, debido a deficiencia del receptor BAFF (factor activador de linfocitos B). En pacientes con IDCV, las alteraciones en las células B de memoria con cambio de isotipo favorecen el desarrollo de comorbilidades concomitantes como linfadenopatía, esplenomegalia, autoinmunidad y enfermedad granulomatosa, por lo que se han realizado múltiples clasificaciones de IDCV que utilizan en común a las células B de memoria para intentar establecer factores pronósticos.

Delayed diagnosis in X-linked agammaglobulinemia and its relationship to the occurrence of mutations in BTK non-kinase domains.

BACKGROUND: X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is characterized by the absence of immunoglobulin and B cells. Patients suffer from recurrent bacterial infections from early childhood, and require lifelong immunoglobulin replacement therapy. Mutations in BTK (Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase) are associated with this phenotype. Some patients that present XLA do not show typical clinical symptoms, resulting in delayed diagnosis due to the lack of a severe phenotype. This study presents a report of five XLA patients from four different families and attempts to determine a relationship between delayed diagnosis and the occurrence of BTK mutations. METHODS: Samples from patients with antibody deficiency were analyzed to determine BTK expression, immunophenotyping and mutation analysis. Clinical and laboratory data was analyzed and presented for each patient. RESULTS: Most patients presented here showed atypical clinical and laboratory data for XLA, including normal IgM, IgG, or IgA levels. Most patients expressed detectable BTK protein. Sequencing of BTK showed that these patients harbored missense mutations in the pleckstrin homology and Src-homology-2 domains. When it was compared to public databases, BTK sequencing exhibited a new change, along with three other previously reported changes. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed diagnosis and atypical manifestations in XLA might be related to mutation type and BTK expression.

Effects of intragastrically-administered Tepary bean lectins on digestive and immune organs: Preclinical evaluation.

Previous work showed that Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) lectins exhibit differential cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines by apoptosis induction. In vivo studies using a Tepary bean lectin fraction (TBLF, 50 mg/kg of body weight) after colon cancer induction in rats showed that TBLF inhibited early precancerous lesions without systemic toxicity however, loss of body weight gain and activation of immune cells were observed. In order to know more about the possible adverse effects, we evaluated the administration of TBLF on digestive and immune organs. Sprague Dawley rats were administered TBLF for six weeks and allowed to recover for two weeks. Immune activation was observed through an increased lymphocyte-granulocyte ratio, an increased number of lymphoid follicles in intestinal Peyer's patches and a slight expansion of the splenic white pulp. Atrophy was observed in small intestine villi and crypt foci of the colon without normalization after the recovery period. Pancreas histopathology showed hypertrophy after the six-week administration period, particularly vacuolation and trabecular widening; but after the two-week recovery period atrophy was observed, suggesting a partial compensatory type process. Our results show that TBLF activates the immune system and affects digestive organs through direct interaction with intestinal epithelium, and indirectly by producing pancreatic hyperfunction. Further work will focus in longer recuperation periods after TBLF treatment.