From IPEX syndrome to FOXP3 mutation: a lesson on immune dysregulation

R Bacchetta, F Barzaghi… - Annals of the New York …, 2018 - Wiley Online Library
R Bacchetta, F Barzaghi, MG Roncarolo
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2018Wiley Online Library
Immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X‐linked (IPEX) syndrome is a
rare disorder that increasingly has gained attention as a model of genetic autoimmunity.
Numerous papers documenting the key clinical and molecular characteristics of IPEX have
provided a detailed understanding of this devastating disease. IPEX is a primary
immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the gene FOXP3, which encodes an essential
transcription factor required for maintenance of thymus‐derived regulatory T (tTreg) cells …
Abstract
Immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X‐linked (IPEX) syndrome is a rare disorder that increasingly has gained attention as a model of genetic autoimmunity. Numerous papers documenting the key clinical and molecular characteristics of IPEX have provided a detailed understanding of this devastating disease. IPEX is a primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the gene FOXP3, which encodes an essential transcription factor required for maintenance of thymus‐derived regulatory T (tTreg) cells. tTreg cell dysfunction is the main pathogenic event leading to multiorgan autoimmunity in IPEX. In addition to the traditional clinical presentation (i.e., severe enteropathy, type 1 diabetes, and eczema), IPEX may encompass other variable and distinct clinical manifestations. As IPEX awareness and characterization have increased, so has identification of FOXP3 mutations, with at least 70 to date. Thus, while FOXP3 is the unifying gene, IPEX is a complex and diverse clinical continuum of disorders. Despite understanding IPEX pathogenesis, new treatment options have remained elusive, although early diagnosis led to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and immunosuppression treatment and improved patient outcomes. Here, we review current knowledge about IPEX syndrome and highlight findings that could lead to novel targeted treatments.
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