A novel immunodeficiency disorder characterized by genetic amplification of interleukin 25

Genes Immun. 2011 Dec;12(8):663-6. doi: 10.1038/gene.2011.50. Epub 2011 Jul 21.

Abstract

Many primary immunodeficiency disorders of differing etiologies have been well characterized, and much understanding of immunological processes has been gained by investigating the mechanisms of disease. Here, we have used a whole-genome approach, employing single-nucleotide polymorphism and gene expression microarrays, to provide insight into the molecular etiology of a novel immunodeficiency disorder. Using DNA copy number profiling, we define a hyperploid region on 14q11.2 in the immunodeficiency case associated with the interleukin (IL)-25 locus. This alteration was associated with significantly heightened expression of IL25 following T-cell activation. An associated dominant type 2 helper T cell bias in the immunodeficiency case provides a mechanistic explanation for recurrence of infections by pathogens met by Th1-driven responses. Furthermore, this highlights the capacity of IL25 to alter normal human immune responses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA Copy Number Variations
  • Gene Amplification / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / genetics*
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / immunology
  • Interleukin-17 / genetics*
  • Interleukin-17 / immunology
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Th2 Cells / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Interleukin-17