Prevalence of CFTR variants in primary immunodeficiency patients with bronchiectasis is an important modifying cofactor.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common life-limiting autosomal-recessive disorders and is caused by genetic defects in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Some of the features of this multisystem disease can be present in primary immunodeficiency (PID). OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that a carrier CFTR status might be associated with worse outcome regarding structural lung disease in patients with PID. METHODS: A within-cohort and population-level statistical genomic analysis of a large European cohort of PID patients was performed using genome sequence data. Genomic analysis of variant pathogenicity was performed. RESULTS: Compared to the general population, p.Phe508del carriage was enriched in lung-related PID. Additionally, carriage of several pathogenic CFTR gene variants were increased in PID associated with structural lung damage compared to PID patients without the structural lung damage. We identified 3 additional biallelic cases, including several variants not traditionally considered to cause CF. CONCLUSION: Genome sequencing identified cases of CFTR dysfunction in PID, driving an increased susceptibility to infection. Large national genomic services provide an opportunity for precision medicine by interpreting subtle features of genomic diversity when treating traditional Mendelian disorders.

Higher throughput drug screening for rare respiratory diseases: readthrough therapy in primary ciliary dyskinesia.

BACKGROUND: Development of therapeutic approaches for rare respiratory diseases is hampered by the lack of systems that allow medium-to-high-throughput screening of fully differentiated respiratory epithelium from affected patients. This is a particular problem for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in genes that adversely affect ciliary movement and consequently mucociliary transport. Primary cell culture of basal epithelial cells from nasal brush biopsies followed by ciliated differentiation at the air-liquid interface (ALI) has proven to be a useful tool in PCD diagnostics but the technique's broader utility, including in pre-clinical PCD research, has been restricted by the limited number of basal cells that can be expanded from such biopsies. METHODS: We describe an immunofluorescence screening method, enabled by extensive expansion of basal cells from PCD patients and the directed differentiation of these cells into ciliated epithelium in miniaturised 96-well transwell format ALI cultures. As proof-of-principle, we performed a personalised investigation in a patient with a rare and severe form of PCD (reduced generation of motile cilia), in this case caused by a homozygous nonsense mutation in the MCIDAS gene. RESULTS: Initial analyses of ciliary ultrastructure, beat pattern and beat frequency in the 96-well transwell format ALI cultures indicate that a range of different PCD defects can be retained in these cultures. The screening system in our proof-of-principal investigation allowed drugs that induce translational readthrough to be evaluated alone or in combination with nonsense-mediated decay inhibitors. We observed restoration of basal body formation but not the generation of cilia in the patient's nasal epithelial cells in vitro. CONCLUSION: Our study provides a platform for higher throughput analyses of airway epithelia that is applicable in a range of settings and suggests novel avenues for drug evaluation and development in PCD caused by nonsense mutations.

The Impact on Parents of Diagnosing PCD in Young Children.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an incurable, rare, inherited, chronic condition. Treatment includes the regular clearing of airway mucus, aggressive treatment of infections and management of hearing loss. Caregiver burden has not been explored, hence we interviewed 18 mothers and 6 fathers of children under 6 years to understand the impact of diagnostic testing and implications of a positive diagnosis. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed and five key themes were identified. These included the parents' experiences following child's diagnosis, impact of child's treatment regimen on parent, impact of child's health status on parent, parent's coping strategies, and parental concerns for the future. Parents described their diagnostic journey, with the findings revealing how a lack of awareness among clinicians of the PCD symptom pattern can lead to a delayed diagnosis. Parents discussed the emotional and practical impact of a PCD diagnosis and the coping strategies employed to deal with challenges arising following a diagnosis. Parents use a variety of different lifestyle changes to accommodate their child's treatment regimen and to cope with disruptive life events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study provides valuable insights into parental adjustment and adaptation to a PCD diagnosis and management regimen. Going forward, this research highlights the need for integrated social care for PCD patients and their families.

The disease-specific clinical trial network for primary ciliary dyskinesia: PCD-CTN.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disorder characterised by impaired mucociliary clearance leading to irreversible lung damage. In contrast to other rare lung diseases like cystic fibrosis (CF), there are only few clinical trials and limited evidence-based treatments. Management is mainly based on expert opinions and treatment is challenging due to a wide range of clinical manifestations and disease severity. To improve clinical and translational research and facilitate development of new treatments, the clinical trial network for PCD (PCD-CTN) was founded in 2020 under the framework of the European Reference Network (ERN)-LUNG PCD Core. Applications from European PCD sites interested in participating in the PCD-CTN were requested. Inclusion criteria consisted of patient numbers, membership of ERN-LUNG PCD Core, use of associated standards of care, experience in PCD and/or CF clinical research, resources to run clinical trials, good clinical practice (GCP) certifications and institutional support. So far, applications from 22 trial sites in 18 European countries have been approved, including >1400 adult and >1600 paediatric individuals with PCD. The PCD-CTN is headed by a coordinating centre and consists of a steering and executive committee, a data safety monitoring board and committees for protocol review, training and standardisation. A strong association with patient organisations and industrial companies are further cornerstones. All participating trial sites agreed on a code of conduct. As CTNs from other diseases have demonstrated successfully, this newly formed PCD-CTN operates to establish evidence-based treatments for this orphan disease and to bring new personalised treatment approaches to patients.

Hydrocephalus and diffuse choroid plexus hyperplasia in primary ciliary dyskinesia-related MCIDAS mutation.

OBJECTIVE: To report a neuroradiologic phenotype associated with reduced generation of multiple motile cilia (RGMC) and mutations in the multicilin gene. We hypothesize that the observed phenotype may reflect the emerging role that ependymal cilia play in regulating CSF production. METHOD: Clinical and radiologic records were retrospectively reviewed for 7 consecutive patients diagnosed by the Leicester UK national primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) diagnostic laboratory. RESULTS: On MRI scanning, all patients demonstrated hydrocephalus, choroid plexus hyperplasia (CPH), and arachnoid cysts. No patient had any sign of neurologic deficit. All patients had significant lung disease. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that there is a high incidence of hydrocephalus, arachnoid cysts, and CPH in MCIDAS-associated RGMC. In all cases, the observed hydrocephalus seems arrested in childhood without progression or adverse neurologic sequelae. Our new observation of CPH, which is associated with CSF overproduction, is the first macroscopic evidence that ependymal cilia may be involved in the regulation of CSF production and flow. We suggest that brain imaging should be performed in all cases of RGMC and that a diagnosis of PCD or RGMC be strongly considered in patients with unexplained hydrocephalus and a lifelong "wet"-sounding cough.

Vascular ring diagnosis following respiratory arrest.

Vascular rings can present with non-specific respiratory and/or oesophageal symptoms. Early diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. This case report describes an uncommon acute presentation of a vascular ring. We report a thriving 14-month-old child with a long history of recurrent wheeze and 'noisy breathing'. He presented acutely with food bolus impaction in the oesophagus which led to a respiratory arrest. Oesophagoscopy and bronchoscopy suggested vascular ring anomaly. A contrast-enhanced CT scan demonstrated a right-sided aortic arch with left ligamentum arteriosum encircling the oesophagus and airway. The ligament was ligated and divided. At follow-up 6 months later, the infant had mild persistent stridor but was otherwise well.