Interferons in Down syndrome: When more is less.

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are at a lower risk for viral infections than the general population, yet their infectious episodes are often more serious. In this issue of Immunity, Malle et al. provide important mechanistic insight into this paradox, showing that individuals with DS have dysregulated IFN-I responses with increased initial signaling translating into a refractory state that makes their immune systems less capable of controlling viral infections.

An Integrated Epigenomic and Transcriptomic Map of Mouse and Human αß T Cell Development.

αß lineage T cells, most of which are CD4+ or CD8+ and recognize MHC I- or MHC II-presented antigens, are essential for immune responses and develop from CD4+CD8+ thymocytes. The absence of in vitro models and the heterogeneity of αß thymocytes have hampered analyses of their intrathymic differentiation. Here, combining single-cell RNA and ATAC (chromatin accessibility) sequencing, we identified mouse and human αß thymocyte developmental trajectories. We demonstrated asymmetric emergence of CD4+ and CD8+ lineages, matched differentiation programs of agonist-signaled cells to their MHC specificity, and identified correspondences between mouse and human transcriptomic and epigenomic patterns. Through computational analysis of single-cell data and binding sites for the CD4+-lineage transcription factor Thpok, we inferred transcriptional networks associated with CD4+- or CD8+-lineage differentiation, and with expression of Thpok or of the CD8+-lineage factor Runx3. Our findings provide insight into the mechanisms of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell differentiation and a foundation for mechanistic investigations of αß T cell development.

Human thymus in health and disease: Recent advances in diagnosis and biology.

The thymus is the crucial tissue where thymocytes develop from hematopoietic precursors that originate from the bone marrow and differentiate to generate a repertoire of mature T cells able to respond to foreign antigens while remaining tolerant to self-antigens. Until recently, most of the knowledge on thymus biology and its cellular and molecular complexity have been obtained through studies in animal models, because of the difficulty to gain access to thymic tissue in humans and the lack of in vitro models able to faithfully recapitulate the thymic microenvironment. This review focuses on recent advances in the understanding of human thymus biology in health and disease obtained through the use of innovative experimental techniques (eg. single cell RNA sequencing, scRNAseq), diagnostic tools (eg. next generation sequencing), and in vitro models of T-cell differentiation (artificial thymic organoids) and thymus development (eg. thymic epithelial cell differentiation from embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells).

Transplantation after CD45-ADC corrects Rag1 immunodeficiency in congenic and haploidentical settings.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the recombinase-activating genes 1 and 2 (RAG1, RAG2) cause a spectrum of phenotypes, ranging from severe combined immune deficiency to combined immune deficiency with immune dysregulation (CID-ID). Hematopoietic cell transplantation is a curative option. Use of conditioning facilitates robust and durable stem cell engraftment and immune reconstitution but may cause toxicity. Transplantation from haploidentical donors is associated with poor outcome in patients with CID-ID. OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate multilineage engraftment and immune reconstitution after conditioning with CD45-antibody drug conjugate (CD45-ADC) as a single agent in hypomorphic mice with Rag1 mutation treated with congenic and haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation. METHODS: Rag1-F971L mice, a model of CID-ID, were conditioned with various doses of CD45-ADC, total body irradiation, or isotype-ADC, and then given transplants of total bone marrow cells from congenic or haploidentical donors. Flow cytometry was used to assess chimerism and immune reconstitution. Histology was used to document reconstitution of thymic architecture. RESULTS: Conditioning with CD45-ADC as a single agent allowed robust engraftment and immune reconstitution, with restoration of thymus, bone marrow, and peripheral compartments. The optimal doses of CD45-ADC were 1.5 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg for congenic and haploidentical transplantation, respectively. No graft-versus-host disease was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Conditioning with CD45-ADC alone allows full donor chimerism and immune reconstitution in Rag1 hypomorphic mice even following haploidentical transplantation, opening the way for the implementation of similar approaches in humans.

Perturbations of the T-cell receptor repertoire in response to SARS-CoV-2 in immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals.

BACKGROUND: Functional T-cell responses are essential for virus clearance and long-term protection after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, whereas certain clinical factors, such as older age and immunocompromise, are associated with worse outcome. OBJECTIVE: We sought to study the breadth and magnitude of T-cell responses in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and in individuals with inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) who had received COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. METHODS: Using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics tools to characterize the T-cell receptor ß repertoire signatures in 540 individuals after SARS-CoV-2 infection, 31 IEI recipients of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, and healthy controls, we quantified HLA class I- and class II-restricted SARS-CoV-2-specific responses and also identified several HLA allele-clonotype motif associations in patients with COVID-19, including a subcohort of anti-type 1 interferon (IFN-1)-positive patients. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed that elderly patients with COVID-19 with critical disease manifested lower SARS-CoV-2 T-cell clonotype diversity as well as T-cell responses with reduced magnitude, whereas the SARS-CoV-2-specific clonotypes targeted a broad range of HLA class I- and class II-restricted epitopes across the viral proteome. The presence of anti-IFN-I antibodies was associated with certain HLA alleles. Finally, COVID-19 mRNA immunization induced an increase in the breadth of SARS-CoV-2-specific clonotypes in patients with IEIs, including those who had failed to seroconvert. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly individuals have impaired capacity to develop broad and sustained T-cell responses after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Genetic factors may play a role in the production of anti-IFN-1 antibodies. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are effective in inducing T-cell responses in patients with IEIs.

Expanding the clinical and immunological phenotypes of PAX1-deficient SCID and CID patients.

Paired box 1 (PAX1) deficiency has been reported in a small number of patients diagnosed with otofaciocervical syndrome type 2 (OFCS2). We described six new patients who demonstrated variable clinical penetrance. Reduced transcriptional activity of pathogenic variants confirmed partial or complete PAX1 deficiency. Thymic aplasia and hypoplasia were associated with impaired T cell immunity. Corrective treatment was required in 4/6 patients. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation resulted in poor immune reconstitution with absent naïve T cells, contrasting with the superior recovery of T cell immunity after thymus transplantation. Normal ex vivo differentiation of PAX1-deficient CD34+ cells into mature T cells demonstrated the absence of a hematopoietic cell-intrinsic defect. New overlapping features with DiGeorge syndrome included primary hypoparathyroidism (n = 5) and congenital heart defects (n = 2), in line with PAX1 expression during early embryogenesis. Our results highlight new features of PAX1 deficiency, which are relevant to improving early diagnosis and identifying patients requiring corrective treatment.

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.

SASH3 variants cause a novel form of X-linked combined immunodeficiency with immune dysregulation.

Sterile alpha motif (SAM) and Src homology-3 (SH3) domain-containing 3 (SASH3), also called SH3-containing lymphocyte protein (SLY1), is a putative adaptor protein that is postulated to play an important role in the organization of signaling complexes and propagation of signal transduction cascades in lymphocytes. The SASH3 gene is located on the X-chromosome. Here, we identified 3 novel SASH3 deleterious variants in 4 unrelated male patients with a history of combined immunodeficiency and immune dysregulation that manifested as recurrent sinopulmonary, cutaneous, and mucosal infections and refractory autoimmune cytopenias. Patients exhibited CD4+ T-cell lymphopenia, decreased T-cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and increased T-cell apoptosis in response to mitogens. In vitro T-cell differentiation of CD34+ cells and molecular signatures of rearrangements at the T-cell receptor α (TRA) locus were indicative of impaired thymocyte survival. These patients also manifested neutropenia and B-cell and natural killer (NK)-cell lymphopenia. Lentivirus-mediated transfer of the SASH3 complementary DNA-corrected protein expression, in vitro proliferation, and signaling in SASH3-deficient Jurkat and patient-derived T cells. These findings define a new type of X-linked combined immunodeficiency in humans that recapitulates many of the abnormalities reported in mice with Sly1-/- and Sly1Δ/Δ mutations, highlighting an important role of SASH3 in human lymphocyte function and survival.

FOXI3 haploinsufficiency contributes to low T-cell receptor excision circles and T-cell lymphopenia.

BACKGROUND: Newborn screening can identify neonatal T-cell lymphopenia through detection of a low number of copies of T-cell receptor excision circles in dried blood spots collected at birth. After a positive screening result, further diagnostic testing is required to determine whether the subject has severe combined immunodeficiency or other causes of T-cell lymphopenia. Even after thorough evaluation, approximately 15% of children with a positive result of newborn screening for T-cell receptor excision circles remain genetically undiagnosed. Identifying the underlying genetic etiology is necessary to guide subsequent clinical management and family planning. OBJECTIVE: We sought to elucidate the genetic basis of patients with T-cell lymphopenia without an apparent genetic diagnosis. METHODS: We used clinical genomic testing as well as functional and immunologic assays to identify and elucidate the genetic and mechanistic basis of T-cell lymphopenia. RESULTS: We report 2 unrelated individuals with nonsevere T-cell lymphopenia and abnormal T-cell receptor excision circles who harbor heterozygous loss-of-function variants in forkhead box I3 transcription factor (FOXI3). CONCLUSION: Our findings support the notion that haploinsufficiency of FOXI3 results in T-cell lymphopenia with variable expressivity and that FOXI3 may be a key modulator of thymus development.

Heterozygous FOXN1 Variants Cause Low TRECs and Severe T Cell Lymphopenia, Revealing a Crucial Role of FOXN1 in Supporting Early Thymopoiesis.

FOXN1 is the master regulatory gene of thymic epithelium development. FOXN1 deficiency leads to thymic aplasia, alopecia, and nail dystrophy, accounting for the nude/severe combined immunodeficiency (nu/SCID) phenotype in humans and mice. We identified several newborns with low levels of T cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and T cell lymphopenia at birth, who carried heterozygous loss-of-function FOXN1 variants. Longitudinal analysis showed persistent T cell lymphopenia during infancy, often associated with nail dystrophy. Adult individuals with heterozygous FOXN1 variants had in most cases normal CD4+ but lower than normal CD8+ cell counts. We hypothesized a FOXN1 gene dosage effect on the function of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and thymopoiesis and postulated that these effects would be more prominent early in life. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed TEC subset frequency and phenotype, early thymic progenitor (ETP) cell count, and expression of FOXN1 target genes (Ccl25, Cxcl12, Dll4, Scf, Psmb11, Prss16, and Cd83) in Foxn1nu/+ (nu/+) mice and age-matched wild-type (+/+) littermate controls. Both the frequency and the absolute count of ETP were significantly reduced in nu/+ mice up to 3 weeks of age. Analysis of the TEC compartment showed reduced expression of FOXN1 target genes and delayed maturation of the medullary TEC compartment in nu/+ mice. These observations establish a FOXN1 gene dosage effect on thymic function and identify FOXN1 haploinsufficiency as an important genetic determinant of T cell lymphopenia at birth.

RAG deficiencies: Recent advances in disease pathogenesis and novel therapeutic approaches.

The RAG1 and RAG2 proteins initiate the process of V(D)J recombination and therefore play an essential role in adaptive immunity. While null mutations in the RAG genes cause severe combined immune deficiency with lack of T and B cells (T- B- SCID) and susceptibility to life-threatening, early-onset infections, studies in humans and mice have demonstrated that hypomorphic RAG mutations are associated with defects of central and peripheral tolerance resulting in immune dysregulation. In this review, we provide an overview of the extended spectrum of RAG deficiencies and their associated clinical and immunological phenotypes in humans. We discuss recent advances in the mechanisms that control RAG expression and function, the effects of perturbed RAG activity on lymphoid development and immune homeostasis, and propose novel approaches to correct this group of disorders.

Inborn errors of immunity associated with defects of thymic development.

The main function of the thymus is to support the establishment of a wide repertoire of T lymphocytes capable of eliminating foreign pathogens, yet tolerant to self-antigens. Thymocyte development in the thymus is dependent on the interaction with thymic stromal cells, a complex mixture of cells comprising thymic epithelial cells (TEC), mesenchymal and endothelial cells. The exchange of signals between stromal cells and thymocytes is referred to as "thymic cross-talk". Genetic defects affecting either side of this interaction result in defects in thymic development that ultimately lead to a decreased output of T lymphocytes to the periphery. In the present review, we aim at providing a summary of inborn errors of immunity (IEI) characterized by T-cell lymphopenia due to defects of the thymic stroma, or to hematopoietic-intrinsic defects of T-cell development, with a special focus on recently discovered disorders. Additionally, we review the novel diagnostic tools developed to discover and study new genetic causes of IEI due to defects in thymic development. Finally, we discuss therapeutic approaches to correct thymic defects that are currently available, in addition to potential novel therapies that could be applied in the future.

Efficacy and safety of anti-CD45-saporin as conditioning agent for RAG deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the recombinase-activating genes cause severe immunodeficiency, with a spectrum of phenotypes ranging from severe combined immunodeficiency to immune dysregulation. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only curative option, but a high risk of graft failure and poor immune reconstitution have been observed in the absence of myeloablation. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to improve multilineage engraftment; we tested nongenotoxic conditioning with anti-CD45 mAbs conjugated with saporin CD45 (CD45-SAP). METHODS: Rag1-KO and Rag1-F971L mice, which represent models of severe combined immune deficiency and combined immune deficiency with immune dysregulation, respectively, were conditioned with CD45-SAP, CD45-SAP plus 2 Gy of total body irradiation (TBI), 2 Gy of TBI, 8 Gy of TBI, or no conditioning and treated by using transplantation with lineage-negative bone marrow cells from wild-type mice. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were used to assess engraftment and immune reconstitution. Antibody responses to 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl-conjugated keyhole limpet hemocyanin were measured by ELISA, and presence of autoantibody was detected by microarray. RESULTS: Conditioning with CD45-SAP enabled high levels of multilineage engraftment in both Rag1 mutant models, allowed overcoming of B- and T-cell differentiation blocks and thymic epithelial cell defects, and induced robust cellular and humoral immunity in the periphery. CONCLUSIONS: Conditioning with CD45-SAP allows multilineage engraftment and robust immune reconstitution in mice with either null or hypomorphic Rag mutations while preserving thymic epithelial cell homeostasis.

Antibody responses to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in individuals with various inborn errors of immunity.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is recommended in patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEIs); however, little is known about immunogenicity and safety in these patients. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the impact of genetic diagnosis, age, and treatment on antibody response to COVID-19 vaccine and related adverse events in a cohort of patients with IEIs. METHODS: Plasma was collected from 22 health care worker controls, 81 patients with IEIs, and 2 patients with thymoma; the plasma was collected before immunization, 1 to 6 days before the second dose of mRNA vaccine, and at a median of 30 days after completion of the immunization schedule with either mRNA vaccine or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine. Anti-spike (anti-S) and anti-nucleocapsid antibody titers were measured by using a luciferase immunoprecipitation systems method. Information on T- and B-cell counts and use of immunosuppressive drugs was extracted from medical records, and information on vaccine-associated adverse events was collected after each dose. RESULTS: Anti-S antibodies were detected in 27 of 46 patients (58.7%) after 1 dose of mRNA vaccine and in 63 of 74 fully immunized patients (85.1%). A lower rate of seroconversion (7 of 11 [63.6%]) was observed in patients with autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy. Previous use of rituximab and baseline counts of less than 1000 CD3+ T cells/mL and less than 100 CD19+ B cells/mL were associated with lower anti-S IgG levels. No significant adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Vaccinating patients with IEIs is safe, but immunogenicity is affected by certain therapies and gene defects. These data may guide the counseling of patients with IEIs regarding prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the need for subsequent boosts.

Gene Editing Rescues In vitro T Cell Development of RAG2-Deficient Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in an Artificial Thymic Organoid System.

Severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) caused by RAG1 or RAG2 deficiency is a genetically determined immune deficiency characterized by the virtual absence of T and B lymphocytes. Unless treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), patients with RAG deficiency succumb to severe infections early in life. However, HSCT carries the risk of graft-versus-host disease. Moreover, a high rate of graft failure and poor immune reconstitution have been reported after unconditioned HSCT. Expression of the RAG genes is tightly regulated, and preclinical attempts of gene therapy with heterologous promoters have led to controversial results. Using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and an in vitro artificial thymic organoid system as a model, here we demonstrate that gene editing rescues the progressive T cell differentiation potential of RAG2-deficient cells to normal levels, with generation of a diversified T cell repertoire. These results suggest that targeted gene editing may represent a novel therapeutic option for correction of this immunodeficiency.

Gut Microbiota-Host Interactions in Inborn Errors of Immunity.

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are a group of disorders that are mostly caused by genetic mutations affecting immune host defense and immune regulation. Although IEI present with a wide spectrum of clinical features, in about one third of them various degrees of gastrointestinal (GI) involvement have been described and for some IEI the GI manifestations represent the main and peculiar clinical feature. The microbiome plays critical roles in the education and function of the host's innate and adaptive immune system, and imbalances in microbiota-immunity interactions can contribute to intestinal pathogenesis. Microbial dysbiosis combined to the impairment of immunosurveillance and immune dysfunction in IEI, may favor mucosal permeability and lead to inflammation. Here we review how immune homeostasis between commensals and the host is established in the gut, and how these mechanisms can be disrupted in the context of primary immunodeficiencies. Additionally, we highlight key aspects of the first studies on gut microbiome in patients affected by IEI and discuss how gut microbiome could be harnessed as a therapeutic approach in these diseases.

Lentiviral gene therapy corrects platelet phenotype and function in patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia is a serious issue for all patients with classical Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) and X-linked thrombocytopenia (XLT) because it causes severe and life-threatening bleeding. Lentiviral gene therapy (GT) for WAS has shown promising results in terms of immune reconstitution. However, despite the reduced severity and frequency of bleeding events, platelet counts remain low in GT-treated patients. OBJECTIVE: We carefully investigated platelet defects in terms of phenotype and function in untreated patients with WAS and assessed the effect of GT treatment on platelet dysfunction. METHODS: We analyzed a cohort of 20 patients with WAS/XLT, 15 of them receiving GT. Platelet phenotype and function were analyzed by using electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and an aggregation assay. Platelet protein composition was assessed before and after GT by means of proteomic profile analysis. RESULTS: We show that platelets from untreated patients with WAS have reduced size, abnormal ultrastructure, and a hyperactivated phenotype at steady state, whereas activation and aggregation responses to agonists are decreased. GT restores platelet size and function early after treatment and reduces the hyperactivated phenotype proportionally to WAS protein expression and length of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights the coexistence of morphologic and multiple functional defects in platelets lacking WAS protein and demonstrates that GT normalizes the platelet proteomic profile with consequent restoration of platelet ultrastructure and phenotype, which might explain the observed reduction of bleeding episodes after GT. These results are instrumental also from the perspective of a future clinical trial in patients with XLT only presenting with microthrombocytopenia.

Neutrophils drive type I interferon production and autoantibodies in patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a rare primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp), a key regulator of cytoskeletal dynamics in hematopoietic cells. A high proportion of patients experience autoimmunity caused by a breakdown in T- and B-cell tolerance. Moreover, excessive production of type I interferon (IFN-I) by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) contributes to autoimmune signs; however, the factors that trigger excessive innate activation have not been defined. OBJECTIVE: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) emerged as major initiating factors in patients with diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. In this study we explored the possible involvement of aberrant neutrophil functions in patients with WAS. METHODS: We evaluated the expression of a set of granulocyte genes associated with NETs in a cohort of patients with WAS and the presence of NET inducers in sera. Using a mouse model of WAS, we analyzed NET release by WASp-null neutrophils and evaluated the composition and homeostasis of neutrophils in vivo. By using depletion experiments, we assessed the effect of neutrophils in promoting inflammation and reactivity against autoantigens. RESULTS: Transcripts of genes encoding neutrophil enzymes and antimicrobial peptides were increased in granulocytes of patients with WAS, and serum-soluble factors triggered NET release. WASp-null neutrophils showed increased spontaneous NETosis, induced IFN-I production by pDCs, and activated B cells through B-cell activating factor. Consistently, their depletion abolished constitutive pDC activation, normalized circulating IFN-I levels, and, importantly, abolished production of autoantibodies directed against double-stranded DNA, nucleosomes, and myeloperoxidase. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal that neutrophils are involved in the pathogenic loop that causes excessive activation of innate cells and autoreactive B cells, thus identifying novel mechanisms that contribute to the autoimmunity of WAS.

Autonomous role of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome platelet deficiency in inducing autoimmunity and inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is an X-linked immunodeficiency characterized by eczema, infections, and susceptibility to autoimmunity and malignancies. Thrombocytopenia is a constant finding, but its pathogenesis remains elusive. OBJECTIVE: To dissect the basis of the WAS platelet defect, we used a novel conditional mouse model (CoWas) lacking Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) only in the megakaryocytic lineage in the presence of a normal immunologic environment, and in parallel we analyzed samples obtained from patients with WAS. METHODS: Phenotypic and functional characterization of megakaryocytes and platelets in mutant CoWas mice and patients with WAS with and without autoantibodies was performed. Platelet antigen expression was examined through a protein expression profile and cluster proteomic interaction network. Platelet immunogenicity was tested by using ELISAs and B-cell and platelet cocultures. RESULTS: CoWas mice showed increased megakaryocyte numbers and normal thrombopoiesis in vitro, but WASp-deficient platelets had short lifespan and high expression of activation markers. Proteomic analysis identified signatures compatible with defects in cytoskeletal reorganization and metabolism yet surprisingly increased antigen-processing capabilities. In addition, WASp-deficient platelets expressed high levels of surface and soluble CD40 ligand and were capable of inducing B-cell activation in vitro. WASp-deficient platelets were highly immunostimulatory in mice and triggered the generation of antibodies specific for WASp-deficient platelets, even in the context of a normal immune system. Patients with WAS also showed platelet hyperactivation and increased plasma soluble CD40 ligand levels correlating with the presence of autoantibodies. CONCLUSION: Overall, these findings suggest that intrinsic defects in WASp-deficient platelets decrease their lifespan and dysregulate immune responses, corroborating the role of platelets as modulators of inflammation and immunity.

Efficacy of lentivirus-mediated gene therapy in an Omenn syndrome recombination-activating gene 2 mouse model is not hindered by inflammation and immune dysregulation.

BACKGROUND: Omenn syndrome (OS) is a rare severe combined immunodeficiency associated with autoimmunity and caused by defects in lymphoid-specific V(D)J recombination. Most patients carry hypomorphic mutations in recombination-activating gene (RAG) 1 or 2. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the standard treatment; however, gene therapy (GT) might represent a valid alternative, especially for patients lacking a matched donor. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the efficacy of lentiviral vector (LV)-mediated GT in the murine model of OS (Rag2R229Q/R229Q) in correcting immunodeficiency and autoimmunity. METHODS: Lineage-negative cells from mice with OS were transduced with an LV encoding the human RAG2 gene and injected into irradiated recipients with OS. Control mice underwent transplantation with wild-type or OS-untransduced lineage-negative cells. Immunophenotyping, T-dependent and T-independent antigen challenge, immune spectratyping, autoantibody detection, and detailed tissue immunohistochemical analyses were performed. RESULTS: LV-mediated GT allowed immunologic reconstitution, although it was suboptimal compared with that seen in wild-type bone marrow (BM)-transplanted OS mice in peripheral blood and hematopoietic organs, such as the BM, thymus, and spleen. We observed in vivo variability in the efficacy of GT correlating with the levels of transduction achieved. Immunoglobulin levels and T-cell repertoire normalized, and gene-corrected mice responded properly to challenges in vivo. Autoimmune manifestations, such as skin infiltration and autoantibodies, dramatically improved in GT mice with a vector copy number/genome higher than 1 in the BM and 2 in the thymus. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that LV-mediated GT for patients with OS significantly ameliorates the immunodeficiency, even in an inflammatory environment.