Genetics of inborn errors of immunity: Diagnostic strategies and new approaches to CNV detection.

BACKGROUND: Genetic diagnosis of inborn errors of immunity (IEI) is complex due to the large number of genes involved and their molecular features. Missense variants have been reported as the most common cause of IEI. However, the frequency of copy number variants (CNVs) may be underestimated since their detection requires specific quantitative techniques. At this point, the use of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is acquiring relevance. METHODS: In this article, we present our experience in the genetic diagnosis of IEI based on three diagnostic algorithms that allowed the detection of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and CNVs. Following this approximation, 703 index cases were evaluated between 2014 and 2021. Sanger sequencing, MLPA, CGH array, breakpoint spanning PCR or a customized NGS-based multigene-targeted panel were performed. RESULTS: A genetic diagnosis was reached in 142 of the 703 index cases (20%), 19 of them presented deletions as causal variants. Deletions were also detected in 5 affected relatives and 16 healthy carriers during the family studies. Additionally, we compile, characterize and present all the CNVs detected by our diagnostic algorithms, representing the largest cohort of deletions related to IEI to date. Furthermore, three bioinformatic tools (LACONv, XHMM, VarSeq™) based on NGS data were evaluated. VarSeq™ was the most sensitive and specific bioinformatic tool; detecting 21/23 (91%) deletions located in captured regions. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, we propose a strategy to guide the molecular diagnosis that can be followed by expert and non-expert centres in the field of IEI.

Detection of specific RBD+ IgG+ memory B cells by flow cytometry in healthcare workers and patients with inborn errors of immunity after BNT162b2 m RNA COVID-19 vaccination.

Introduction: Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are a heterogeneous group of diseases caused by intrinsic defects of the immune system. Estimating the immune competence of immunocompromised patients for an infection risk assessment or after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination constituted a challenge. Methods: The aim of this study was to determine the humoral responses of patients with IEI through a comprehensive analysis of specific receptor-binding domain-positive (RBD+) IgG+ memory B cells (MBCs) by flow cytometry, together with routine S-specific IgG antibodies and QuantiFERON SARS-CoV-2 (T-cell response), before the vaccine and 3 weeks after a second dose. Results and discussion: We first analyzed the percentage of specific RBD+ IgG+ MBCs in healthy healthcare workers. Within the control group, there was an increase in the percentage of specific IgG+ RBD+ MBCs 21 days after the second dose, which was consistent with S-specific IgG antibodies.Thirty-one patients with IEI were included for the pre- and post-vaccination study; IgG+ RBD+ MBCs were not evaluated in 6 patients due to an absence of B cells in peripheral blood. We detected various patterns among the patients with IEI with circulating B cells (25, 81%): an adequate humoral response was observed in 12/25, consider by the detection of positive S-specific IgG antibodies and the presence of specific IgG+ RBD+ MBCs, presenting a positive T-cell response; in 4/25, very low S-specific IgG antibody counts correlated with undetectable events in the IgG+ RBD+ MBC compartment but with positive cellular response. Despite the presence of S-specific IgG antibodies, we were unable to detect a relevant percentage of IgG+ RBD+ MBCs in 5/25; however, all presented positive T-cell response. Lastly, we observed a profound failure of B and T-cell response in 3 (10%) patients with IEI, with no assessment of S-specific IgG antibodies, IgG+ RBD+ MBCs, and negative cellular response. The identification of specific IgG+ RBD+ MBCs by flow cytometry provides information on different humoral immune response outcomes in patients with IEI and aids the assessment of immune competence status after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2), together with S-specific IgG antibodies and T-cell responses.

Coronavirus disease 2019 in patients with inborn errors of immunity: An international study.

BACKGROUND: There is uncertainty about the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in individuals with rare inborn errors of immunity (IEI), a population at risk of developing severe coronavirus disease 2019. This is relevant not only for these patients but also for the general population, because studies of IEIs can unveil key requirements for host defense. OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe the presentation, manifestations, and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in IEI to inform physicians and enhance understanding of host defense against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: An invitation to participate in a retrospective study was distributed globally to scientific, medical, and patient societies involved in the care and advocacy for patients with IEI. RESULTS: We gathered information on 94 patients with IEI with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Their median age was 25 to 34 years. Fifty-three patients (56%) suffered from primary antibody deficiency, 9 (9.6%) had immune dysregulation syndrome, 6 (6.4%) a phagocyte defect, 7 (7.4%) an autoinflammatory disorder, 14 (15%) a combined immunodeficiency, 3 (3%) an innate immune defect, and 2 (2%) bone marrow failure. Ten were asymptomatic, 25 were treated as outpatients, 28 required admission without intensive care or ventilation, 13 required noninvasive ventilation or oxygen administration, 18 were admitted to intensive care units, 12 required invasive ventilation, and 3 required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Nine patients (7 adults and 2 children) died. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that (1) more than 30% of patients with IEI had mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and (2) risk factors predisposing to severe disease/mortality in the general population also seemed to affect patients with IEI, including more younger patients. Further studies will identify pathways that are associated with increased risk of severe disease and are nonredundant or redundant for protection against SARS-CoV-2.

[Salmonella typhi vaccination response study reveals defective antibody production selective IgA deficiency patient]. / Demostración de producción deficiente de anticuerpos específicos en una paciente con déficit selectivo de IgA utilizando la vacuna polisacárida contra Salmonella typhi.

Selective IgA deficiency (SIgAD) is the most prevalent immunodeficiency worldwide, progressing to common variable immunodeficiency only in few reported cases. We report the case of a Spanish female aged 22 and diagnosed of selective IgA deficiency, a long history of bronchitis, several episodes of pneumonia, bilateral bronchiectasis, normal IgG, IgM, IgG subclasses, and detectable pre-vaccination IgG antibodies against tetanus toxoid and Streptococcus pneumoniae. She was evaluated in our clinic in order to rule out common variable immunodeficiency. We observed good antibody response to tetanus toxoid, absence of circulating switched memory B cells, decreased response to pneumococcal polysaccharide antigens and a lack of response to Salmonella typhi vaccine. Most SIgAD patients presents with upper respiratory tract infections or mild diarrhea. Those with lower tract infections, pneumonia or untreatable diarrhea should follow B-cell subpopulations' study and antibody response to vaccines. Absence of response to Salmonella typhi vaccine allowed us to expose the defective antibody production.

La deficiencia selectiva de IgA es la inmunodeficiencia con mayor prevalencia en todo el mundo, con manifestación desde asintomática hasta infecciones repetidas en las mucosas. Entre los pacientes sintomáticos, algunos muestran progresión a inmunodeficiencia común variable. Describimos el caso de una paciente española de 22 años de edad, con diagnóstico de deficiencia selectiva de IgA, con normalidad en el resto de isotipos y un largo antecedente personal de bronquitis de repetición, varios episodios de neumonía y bronquiectasias bilaterales. En el estudio realizado observamos respuesta óptima tras la vacunación contra el toxoide tetánico, respuesta disminuida a la vacuna neumocócica polisacárida de 23 serotipos y ausencia de respuesta a la vacuna polisacárida de Salmonella typhi. La administración de la vacuna contra Salmonella typhi permitió demostrar producción deficiente de anticuerpos específicos en una paciente inicialmente diagnosticada como deficiencia selectiva de IgA.

Una deficiencia no tan selectiva de IGA / No disponible

Describimos el caso de una paciente con historia de bronquitis, neumonias y deteccion de bronquiectasias, que es diagnosticada de deficiencia selectiva de IgA, con IgG e IgM en valores normales. El estudio inmunológico orientado hacia una deficiencia humoral permitio detectar una insuficiente produccion de anticuerpos frente a antigenos polisacaridos a pesar de sus cifras conservadas de IgG (AU)

No disponible