Loss-of-function mutations in the IL-21 receptor gene cause a primary immunodeficiency syndrome.

ABSTRACT: Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) represent exquisite models for studying mechanisms of human host defense. In this study, we report on two unrelated kindreds, with two patients each, who had cryptosporidial infections associated with chronic cholangitis and liver disease. Using exome and candidate gene sequencing, we identified two distinct homozygous loss-of-function mutations in the interleukin-21 receptor gene (IL21R; c.G602T, p.Arg201Leu and c.240_245delCTGCCA, p.C81_H82del). The IL-21R(Arg201Leu) mutation causes aberrant trafficking of the IL-21R to the plasma membrane, abrogates IL-21 ligand binding, and leads to defective phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), STAT3, and STAT5. We observed impaired IL-21-induced proliferation and immunoglobul

SUBMITTER: Kotlarz D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3600901 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature