Immunology Flashcards
Hyper-IGM syndrome:
- What is the immunodeficiency?
- Describe the phenotype
Combined B and T cell deficiency; no immunoglobulin class switching Recurrent bacterial infections, opportunistic infections (PJP, histoplasmosis, cryptosporidium)
Hyper-IgM syndrome: underlying gene defect and inheritance
CD40 ligand gene
XL
Hyper-IgM syndrome: treatment
HSCT
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome:
- Associated mutation
- Inheritance
- WAS gene, encoding WASP
- XL
Describe the immunodeficiency reported with WAS
Combined T and B (usually worse) defect
T: abnormal proliferation to antigen and mitogen
B: decreased production of specific antibody; classically lacks responses to carbohydrates
What is the classic triad of WAS?
- Immunodeficiency
- Microthrombocytopenia (typically have bloody diarrhea)
- Eczema
What infections are commonly seen in WAS?
- Recurrent otitis media and sinopulmonary infections
- Staphylococcal skin superinfection
- Opportunistic infections
What manifestations of auto-immunity are often seen in WAS?
- ITP, AIHA
- IBD
- Glomerulonephritis
- Vasculitis
- Dysimmunity: lymphoma, often EBV related
What are possible mechanisms to explain the presence of Wiskott-Aldricht syndrome in a female?
- Extreme lyonization of the mutant X chromosome
- Random X chromosome inactivation
- WAS mutations on both chromosomes
Management of Wiskott-Aldricht syndrome
- HSCT (ideally with MSD)
- Pre-transplant: regular infusions of IVIG, antibiotic prophylaxis, cautious use of safe blood product (CMV safe, irradiated)
Name 3 SCID syndromes that are T-B-
- ADA deficiency (NK-)
- RAG1, RAG2 deficiency (NK+)
- Artemis syndrome
(All are AR)
Name 3 SCID syndromes that are T-B+
- JAK3 mutation
- IL7R alpha chain
- Cytokine common gamma chain
Describe the laboratory findings in SCID (4 features)
Usually decreased ALC (not always, since B cells can be normal)
Severely decreased IgA, IgG, IgM
Absent T cells on lymphocyte immunophenotyping (occasionally, some maternal T-cells can be seen)
Absent mitogen proliferation
Describe the management of SCID (6 features)
- Urgent referral for allogeneic HSCT
- Protection against infections
- PJP prophylaxis
- Aggressive diagnosis and treatment of infections
- IVIG replacement
- If blood transfusion required, CMV (-)ve and irradiated
Describe the management of ALPS?
- Mainstay of treatment: immunosuppression with steroids, sirolimus, MMF, etc.
- Monitoring for development of lymphoproliferation
- HSCT if very severe, refractory cases
- Avoid splenectomy; increased risk of infection and cytopenias usually improve over time