Article
Immunology
Henry Y. Lu, Robert Sertori, Alejandra Contreras, Mark Hamer, Melina Messing, Kate L. Del Bel, Elena Lopez-Rangel, Edmond S. Chan, Wingfield Rehmus, Joshua D. Milner, Kelly M. McNagny, Anna Lehman, David L. Wiest, Stuart E. Turvey
Summary: BCL11B is a critical transcription factor that plays a key role in regulating the development and function of various systems, with some variants associated with severe clinical disorders including severe allergic disease. In a reported case, a strong T-cell defect was confirmed in the patient using a zebrafish model, leading to the classification of this disease as a novel primary atopic disorder.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
John R. Jeffers, Emilia M. Pinto, Jerold E. Rehg, Michael R. Clay, Jinling Wang, Geoffrey Neale, Richard J. Heath, Guillermina Lozano, Enzo Lalli, Bonald C. Figueiredo, Alberto S. Pappo, Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, Wenan Chen, Stanley Pounds, Raul C. Ribeiro, Gerard P. Zambetti
Summary: The TP53-R337H founder mutation is highly prevalent in southern Brazil and is associated with pediatric adrenocortical tumors, early-onset breast cancers, and LFS. A knockin mutant p53 mouse model has been generated to study the variability in tumor susceptibility caused by this mutation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hui Luo, Dan Liu, Wenbing Liu, Gaoxiang Wang, Liting Chen, Yang Cao, Jia Wei, Min Xiao, Xin Liu, Gang Huang, Wei Wang, Jianfeng Zhou, Qian-fei Wang
Summary: This study found that PID gene variants, specifically UNC13D and AP3B1, were significantly associated with severe cytokine storms in COVID-19 patients, increasing the risk of fatal outcomes. These genetic variants provide insights into individual susceptibility to severe cytokine storms and can help improve the management of COVID-19.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Peiwei Zhao, Qingjie Meng, Yufeng Huang, Lei Zhang, Sukun Luo, Xiankai Zhang, Li Tan, Aifen Zhou, Hao Xiong, Xuelian He
Summary: BENTA is a rare primary immunodeficiency disorder caused by gain-of-function mutations in the CARD11 gene, characterized by persistent B cell lymphocytosis and frequent infections. Here, we report a Chinese patient with a heterozygous G126D mutation in the CARD11 gene, identified through whole exome sequencing and functional studies. The mutation is associated with increased CARD11 expression and NF-kappa B activation, with decreased NK cell activity and degranulation.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Karl-Heinz Tomaszowski, Sunetra Roy, Carolina Guerrero, Poojan Shukla, Caezaan Keshvani, Yue Chen, Martina Ott, Xiaogang Wu, Jianhua Zhang, Courtney D. DiNardo, Detlev Schindler, Katharina Schlacher
Summary: This study reveals that Fanconi anemia patients frequently have mutations in multiple FANC genes. In a mouse model, simultaneous mutations in Brca2/Fancd1 and Rad51c/Fanco genes can replicate the phenotypes of human Fanconi anemia, including bone marrow failure, cancer susceptibility, hypersensitivity to cancer drugs, and severe replication instability. This research has important implications for a better understanding of the role of FANC genes in tumorigenesis.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kerstin Kutzner, Simone Woods, Ozge Karayel, Torben Gehring, Hongli Yin, Andrew Flatley, Carina Grass, Nicole Wimberger, Marie J. Tofaute, Thomas Seeholzer, Regina Feederle, Matthias Mann, Daniel Krappmann
Summary: This study demonstrates that PKC theta/beta phosphorylation plays a dual role in regulating CARD11 signaling in lymphocytes: promoting the assembly of the CARD11-BCL10-MALT1 complex and lymphocyte activation, while also suppressing CARD11 function. Phosphorylation of Ser 893 in CARD11 prevents the activation of NF-kappa B, JNK, and MALT1, and sensitizes BCR-addicted lymphoma cells to BTK inhibitors by impairing the formation of the CBM complex.
Article
Immunology
Mehul Sharma, Daniel Leung, Mana Momenilandi, Lauren C. W. Jones, Lucia Pacillo, Alyssa E. James, Jill R. Murrell, Selket Delafontaine, Jesmeen Maimaris, Maryam Vaseghi-Shanjani, Kate L. Del Bel, Henry Y. Lu, Gilbert T. Chua, Silvia Di Cesare, Oriol Fornes, Zhongyi Liu, Gigliola Di Matteo, Maggie P. Fu, Donato Amodio, Issan Yee San Tam, Gavin Shueng Wai Chan, Ashish A. Sharma, Joshua Dalmann, Robin van der Lee, Geraldine Blanchard-Rohner, Susan Lin, Quentin Philippot, Phillip A. Richmond, Jessica J. Lee, Allison Matthews, Michael Seear, Alexandra K. Turvey, Rachael L. Philips, Terri F. Brown-Whitehorn, Christopher J. Gray, Kosuke Izumi, James R. Treat, Kathleen H. Wood, Justin Lack, Asya Khleborodova, Julie E. Niemela, Xingtian Yang, Rui Liang, Lin Kui, Christina Sze Man Wong, Grace Wing Kit Poon, Alexander Hoischen, Caspar I. van der Made, Jing Yang, Koon Wing Chan, Jaime Sou Da Rosa Duque, Pamela Pui Wah Lee, Marco Hok Kung Ho, Brian Hon Yin Chung, Huong Thi Minh Le, Wanling Yang, Pejman Rohani, Ali Fouladvand, Hassan Rokni-Zadeh, Majid Changi-Ashtiani, Mohammad Miryounesi, Anne Puel, Mohammad Shahrooei, Andrea Finocchi, Paolo Rossi, Beatrice Rivalta, Cristina Cifaldi, Antonio Novelli, Chiara Passarelli, Stefania Arasi, Dominique Bullens, Kate Sauer, Tania Claeys, Catherine M. Biggs, Emma C. Morris, Sergio D. Rosenzweig, John J. O'Shea, Wyeth W. Wasserman, H. Melanie Bedford, Clara D. M. van Karnebeek, Paolo Palma, Siobhan O. Burns, Isabelle Meyts, Jean-Laurent Casanova, Jonathan J. Lyons, Nima Parvaneh, Anh Thi Van Nguyen, Caterina Cancrini, Jennifer Heimall, Hanan Ahmed, Margaret L. McKinnon, Yu Lung Lau, Vivien Beziat, Stuart E. Turvey
Summary: Sharma et al. define a new primary atopic disorder caused by heterozygous gain-of-function variants in STAT6. This leads to severe early-onset allergies in 16 patients from 10 families. Treatment with anti-IL-4Rα antibody and JAK inhibitor is highly effective.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Evan M. M. Braunstein, Eddie Imada, Sergiu Pasca, Shiyu Wang, Hang Chen, Camille Alba, Dan N. N. Hupalo, Matthew Wilkerson, Clifton L. L. Dalgard, Jack Ghannam, Yujia Liu, Luigi Marchionni, Alison Moliterno, Christopher S. S. Hourigan, Lukasz P. P. Gondek
Summary: Genetic predisposition to myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) is more common than in most other cancers. This study identified an ATM L2307F single nucleotide variant (SNV) occurring in nearly 8% of individuals with familial MPN, suggesting a link between ATM and MPN predisposition. Structural protein modeling of this variant indicated the stabilization of inactive ATM dimer and alteration of downstream tumor suppressor CHEK2 phosphorylation.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Sandra Andrea Salinas, Emily M. Mace, Matilde I. Conte, Chun Shik Park, Yu Li, Joshua I. Rosario-Sepulveda, Sanjana Mahapatra, Emily K. Moore, Evelyn R. Hernandez, Ivan K. Chinn, Abigail E. Reed, Barclay J. Lee, Alexander Frumovitz, Richard A. Gibbs, Jennifer E. Posey, Lisa R. Forbes Satter, Akaluck Thatayatikom, Eric J. Allenspach, Theodore G. Wensel, James R. Lupski, H. Daniel Lacorazza, Jordan S. Orange
Summary: NK cell deficiencies are a type of primary immune deficiency that affect the number, maturity, or function of NK cells. Patients with NKD are more susceptible to viral infections and may experience chronic, recurrent, and fatal infections. This study identified a damaging variant in the ELF4 gene as a potentially novel cause of NKD.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Hakon Jonsson, Erna Magnusdottir, Hannes P. Eggertsson, Olafur A. Stefansson, Gudny A. Arnadottir, Ogmundur Eiriksson, Florian Zink, Einar A. Helgason, Ingileif Jonsdottir, Arnaldur Gylfason, Adalbjorg Jonasdottir, Aslaug Jonasdottir, Doruk Beyter, Thora Steingrimsdottir, Gudmundur L. Norddahl, Olafur Th. Magnusson, Gisli Masson, Bjarni V. Halldorsson, Unnur Thorsteinsdottir, Agnar Helgason, Patrick Sulem, Daniel F. Gudbjartsson, Kari Stefansson
Summary: Despite the significant role of monozygotic twins in genetics research, little is known about their genomic differences. This study found that on average monozygotic twins have 5.2 early developmental mutations, with approximately 15% of twins having a substantial number of unique early developmental mutations. The allocation of cells during development shapes the genomic differences between monozygotic twins.
Editorial Material
Hematology
Ana Rio-Machin, Jude Fitzgibbon
Summary: In this study, Nishii et al conducted a comprehensive functional assessment of 34 ETV6 germline variants identified in pediatric ALL patients, revealing that 22 of the variants were damaging while the rest were considered wild-type like.
Article
Immunology
Eric J. Allenspach, Frank Soveg, Laura S. Finn, Lomon So, Jacquelyn A. Gorman, Aaron B. Rosen, Suzanne Skoda-Smith, Marsha M. Wheeler, Kaitlyn A. Barrow, Lucille M. Rich, Jason S. Debley, Michael J. Bamshad, Deborah A. Nickerson, Ram Savan, Troy R. Torgerson, David J. Rawlings
Summary: SAMD9L is an interferon-induced tumor suppressor associated with a spectrum of multisystem disorders. A frameshift variant led to expression of a truncated protein that exhibited a gain-of-function phenotype, interfering with global protein synthesis by inhibiting translational elongation. Variants in SAMD9L that globally suppress translation had no effect or increased mRNA transcription, suggesting lineage-dominant sensitivities to this translation block.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Angela Y. Zhu, Nandita Mitra, David J. Margolis
Summary: This study examines the association between keratin 6 variants and severity of atopic dermatitis over time. It identifies groups of variants that have similar effects on skin repair, providing insights for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Stephanie Cham, Mary Beth Landrum, Nancy L. Keating, Joanne Armstrong, Alexi A. Wright
Summary: This study evaluates changes in the rate of BRCA testing among ovarian cancer patients and analyzes associated factors.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lingdi Yin, Jishu Wei, Zipeng Lu, Shimeng Huang, Hao Gao, Jianmin Chen, Feng Guo, Min Tu, Bin Xiao, Chunhua Xi, Kai Zhang, Qiang Li, Junli Wu, Wentao Gao, Kuirong Jiang, Jun Yu, Yi Miao
Summary: A higher incidence of pancreatic cancer has been reported in the Chinese population compared with the White population, and genetic background of pancreatic cancer in the Han Chinese population with PDAC was explored in this study, revealing a significant association between pathogenic germline variations and sporadic pancreatic cancer in China.
Article
Dermatology
Jiehyun Jeon, Fang Wang, Asima Badic, Brian S. Kim
Summary: This retrospective case series study explores the clinical response of patients with CPUO to dupilumab and suggests that dupilumab may be an effective treatment for reducing itch scores in patients with CPUO. Dupilumab was well tolerated with only one report of mild injection site reaction, supporting the design of future randomized placebo-controlled trials to further evaluate its efficacy.
JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGICAL TREATMENT
(2022)
Editorial Material
Allergy
Anna M. Trier, Brian S. Kim
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Caroline Khanna, Carole Le Coz, Courtney Vaccaro, Piyush Pillarisetti, Ainsley V. C. Knox, Andrew Sy, Edward M. Behrens, David Buchbinder, Neil Romberg
Summary: This study reports a novel germline frameshifting mutation in a WAS patient, leading to the loss of expression of WASP Delta CA. Deep sequencing and protein degradation analysis revealed a variety of genetic, epigenetic, and proteasomal strategies employed by patient lymphocytes to avoid expressing WASP Delta CA.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Guowu Hu, Pia J. Hauk, Nannan Zhang, Waleed Elsegeiny, Carlos M. Guardia, Amy Kullas, Kevin Crosby, Robin R. Deterding, Michaela Schedel, Paul Reynolds, Jordan K. Abbott, Vijaya Knight, Stefania Pittaluga, Mark Raffeld, Sergio D. Rosenzweig, Juan S. Bonifacino, Gulbu Uzel, Peter R. Williamson, Erwin W. Gelfand
Summary: Autophagy, involving core machinery proteins such as ATG9A, plays a critical role in cellular signaling and is associated with various diseases. This study identified novel compound heterozygous mutations in ATG9A in a patient, leading to lymphocyte proliferation defects and increased susceptibility to infection. The findings suggest ATG9A and autophagy as potential therapeutic targets for specific interventions in related diseases.
Article
Allergy
Jennifer W. Leiding, Tiphanie P. Vogel, Valentine G. J. Santarlas, Rahul Mhaskar, Madison R. Smith, Alexandre Carisey, Alexander Vargas-Hernandez, Manuel Silva-Carmona, Maximilian Heeg, Anne Rensing-Ehl, Benedicte Neven, Jerome Hadjadj, Sophie Hambleton, Timothy Ronan Leahy, Kornvalee Meesilpavikai, Charlotte Cunningham-Rundles, Cullen M. Dutmer, Svetlana O. Sharapova, Mervi Taskinen, Ignatius Chua, Rosie Hague, Christian Klemann, Larysa Kostyuchenko, Tomohiro Morio, Akaluck Thatayatikom, Ahmet Ozen, Anna Scherbina, Cindy S. Bauer, Sarah E. Flanagan, Eleonora Gambineri, Lisa Giovannini-Chami, Jennifer Heimall, Kathleen E. Sullivan, Eric Allenspach, Nei Romberg, Sean G. Deane, Benjamin T. Prince, Melissa J. Rose, John Bohnsack, Talal Mousallem, Rohith Jesudas, Maria Marluce Dos Santos Vilela, Michael O'Sullivan, Jana Pachlopnik Schmid, Stepanka Pruhova, Adam Klocperk, Matthew Rees, Helen Su, Sami Bahna, Saf Baris, Lisa M. Bartnikas, Amy Chang Berger, Tracy A. Briggs, Shannon Brothers, Vanessa Bundy, Alice Y. Chan, Shanmuganathan Chandrakasan, Mette Christiansen, Theresa Cole, Matthew C. Cook, Mukesh M. Desai, Ute Fischer, David A. Fulcher, Silvanna Gallo, Amelie Gauthier, Andrew R. Gennery, Jose Goncalo Marques, Frederic Gottrand, Bodo Grimbacher, Eyal Grunebaum, Emma Haapaniemi, Sari Hamalainen, Kaarina Heiskanen, Tarja Heiskanen-Kosma, Hal M. Hoffman, Luis Ignacio Gonzalez-Granado, Anthony L. Guerrerio, Leena Kainulainen, Ashish Kumar, Monica G. Lawrence, Carina Levin, Timi Martelius, Olaf Neth, Peter Olbrich, Alejandro Palma, Niraj C. Patel, Tamara Pozos, Kahn Preece, Saul Oswaldo Lugo Reyes, Mark A. Russell, Yael Schejter, Christine Seroogy, Jan Sinclair, Effie Skevofilax, Daniel Suan, Daniel Suez, Paul Szabolcs, Helena Velasco, Klaus Warnatz, Kelly Walkovich, Austen Worth, Mikko R. J. Seppanen, Troy R. Torgerson, Georgios Sogkas, Stephan Ehl, Stuart G. Tangye, Megan A. Cooper, Joshua D. Milner, Lisa R. Forbes Satter
Summary: This pivotal cohort study defines the scope, natural history, treatment, and overall survival of a large global cohort of patients with pathogenic STAT3 GOF variants. The study found that patients with this variant present with a wide array of immune-mediated disease including lymphoproliferation, autoimmune cytopenias, and multisystem autoimmunity. Early identification and prompt treatment implementation are crucial for the survival of these patients.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Dermatology
Anna M. Trier, Brian S. Kim
Summary: Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by scaly, oozing skin and itch. Historically, treatment options have been limited, but breakthroughs in understanding the disease have led to the approval of several systemic therapies in recent years.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Susana Prieto, Geronimo Dubra, Alain Camasses, Ana Bella Aznar, Christina Begon-Pescia, Elisabeth Simboeck, Nelly Pirot, Francois Gerbe, Lucie Angevin, Philippe Jay, Liliana Krasinska, Daniel Fisher
Summary: CDK8 and CDK19 are conserved cyclin-dependent kinase subfamily members that interact with Mediator and phosphorylate RNA polymerase II. Deletion of either CDK8 or CDK19 in mice does not significantly affect gene expression or normal intestinal homeostasis, but simultaneous deletion of both kinases reduces long-term proliferative capacity and results in mucus accumulation and increased secretion by goblet cells. Furthermore, CDK8 and CDK19 cooperatively regulate specific transcriptional programs, as shown by the downregulation of CFTR expression and CFTR pathway functionality observed in double-mutant organoids. Pharmacological inhibition of CDK8/19 kinase activity recapitulates several of these phenotypes.
Article
Immunology
Kelsey Voss, Allison E. Sewell, Evan S. Krystofiak, Katherine N. Gibson-Corley, Arissa C. Young, Jacob H. Basham, Ayaka Sugiura, Emily N. Arner, William N. Beavers, Dillon E. Kunkle, Megan E. Dickson, Gabriel A. Needle, Eric P. Skaar, W. Kimryn Rathmell, Michelle J. Ormseth, Amy S. Major, Jeffrey C. Rathmell
Summary: T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) exhibit metabolic abnormalities, with excess iron playing a potential role in SLE pathogenesis. The transferrin receptor (CD71) is critical for T(H)1 cells and inhibitory for induced regulatory T cells (iT(regs)). Increased CD71 expression and iron uptake were observed in activated T cells, particularly in SLE-prone T cells. Blocking CD71 reduced intracellular iron, mTORC1 signaling, and the production of T(H)1 and T(H)17 cells, while enhancing iT(regs) and IL-10 secretion. In vivo treatment targeting CD71 reduced kidney pathology in SLE-prone mice. CD71 expression on T(H)17 cells correlated with disease severity in SLE patients. Thus, T cell iron uptake via CD71 contributes to T cell dysfunction and can be targeted to limit SLE-associated pathology.
SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Brian S. Kim, Robert Bissonnette, Kristine Nograles, Catherine Munera, Nilam Shah, Alia Jebara, Joshua Cirulli, Joana Goncalves, Mark Lebwohl
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of difelikefalin treatment in notalgia paresthetica. The results showed that difelikefalin group had a modestly greater reduction in itch intensity scores compared to the placebo group over 8 weeks, but it was also associated with adverse events. Larger and longer trials are needed to assess the effectiveness and safety of difelikefalin treatment in this disorder.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elisa Ruffo, Adam A. Butchy, Yaniv Tivon, Victor So, Michael Kvorjak, Avani Parikh, Eric L. Adams, Natasa Miskov-Zivanov, Olivera J. Finn, Alexander Deiters, Jason Lohmueller
Summary: This study introduces engineered cell-surface receptors called chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and synthetic Notch (synNotch) receptors, which can sense target antigens and respond accordingly. The authors develop universal receptor systems that can be post-translationally directed to specific antigens through covalent attachment of BG-conjugated antibodies. They demonstrate successful targeting of SNAP-CAR and SNAP-synNotch receptors using clinically relevant BG-conjugated antibodies, showing anti-tumor activity in a human tumor xenograft mouse model. A mathematical model is also developed to better understand the parameters affecting universal receptor signaling.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Allergy
Jonathan J. Lyons, Henriette Farkas, Anastasios E. Germenis, Matija Rijavec, Tukisa D. Smith, Peter Valent
Summary: Advances in next-generation sequencing technologies have led to increased identification of single gene disorders, including primary atopic disorders. Mast cells play a central role in immediate hypersensitivity allergic reactions, but other cells may also be involved. Hereditary angioedema conditions can cause angioedema without hives and may not respond to MC-directed therapies. Genetic variants have helped uncover key pathways and develop targeted therapies for urticaria and nonatopic angioedema. The article discusses the genetic causes, clinical features, and biomarkers for distinguishing these conditions. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE
(2023)
Letter
Hematology
Nathan A. Boggs, Xiaoping Sun, Jonathan J. Lyons, Jeremy C. McMurray, David M. Rose, Eric M. Pryor, Dean D. Metcalfe, Irina Maric
Article
Allergy
Masato Tamari, Lydia Zamidar, Aaron M. Ver Heul, Kristine Nograles, Joana Goncalves, Emma Guttman-Yassky, Mark Lebwohl, Brian S. Kim
Summary: DFK rapidly relieves itch symptoms in a mouse model of AD without altering skin inflammation. DFK primarily targets larger-diameter mechanoreceptors rather than small-diameter pruriceptive fibers.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Laura A. Wang, Austin Larson, Jordan K. Abbott
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Maribel Vazquez, Jack Chovanec, Jiwon Kim, Thomas DiMaggio, Joshua D. Milner, Clair A. Francomano, Christina A. Gurnett, Marco Ritelli, Marina Colombi, Jonathan J. Lyons
Summary: Hereditary alpha-tryptasemia (H alpha T) is a common genetic trait associated with joint hypermobility. Genotyping of individuals revealed significant associations between H alpha T and dysphagia and retained primary dentition.
HUMAN GENETICS AND GENOMICS ADVANCES
(2022)