Protocol Number: 95-HG-0066

Title:

Genetic Analysis of Immune Disorders

Number:

95-HG-0066

Summary:

The purposes of this study are to 1) identify the genes responsible for certain immune disorders, 2) learn about the medical problems they cause, and 3) learn how to predict who is likely to develop these disorders and what the risk is of passing them on to children. The immune system is the body's defense system. Some immune deficiencies impair a person's ability to fight infections; others render a person susceptible to allergies, or to autoimmune diseases such as lupus or arthritis, in which the immune cells (white blood cells) attack and destroy the body's own tissues.

Patients with immune disorders known or suspected to have a genetic basis and their family members may enroll in this study. Eligibility will be determined by a review of the patient's medical records and family medical history. Participants will provide a small blood sample for genetic (DNA) and white blood cell analysis. Gene samples (but not white blood cells) may also be obtained by mouth brushing or skin biopsy. For the mouth brushing, a small brush is rubbed against the inside of the cheeks for 1 minute to wipe off some cells. For the skin biopsy, a small circle of skin (about 1/8 inch) is removed under local anesthetic. Pregnant women may be asked to provide a fetal sample (amniotic fluid cells or chorionic villus sample). All samples will be used for immune or genetic studies of the family's immune disorder.

If test results show a specific genetic variation responsible for the family's immune disorder, a report will be sent to the patient's doctor or genetic counselor, who will discuss the implications for the family. NIH researchers and genetic counselors will also be available to explain results and answer questions. Information will not be available in the case of disorders that cannot yet be linked to a specific genetic abnormality.

Information from this study will increase knowledge about the immune system and what causes immune deficiencies. Participants may also learn the underlying cause of an immune disorder that affects them or someone in their family-information may be useful in guiding treatment and in making decisions regarding family planning.

Sponsoring Institute:

National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)

Recruitment Detail

Type: Active Accrual Of New Subjects

Gender: Male & Female

Referral Letter Required: Yes

Population Exclusion(s): None

Eligibility Criteria:

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Persons of any age, gender and ethnicity are eligible to enroll as patients, family member enrollees, and control volunteers.

Immunologic disorder or disorder of host defenses against infection of known or suspected genetic origin.

Clinical summary and results of immunologic testing are required along with biopsy data, identification of infectious agents, treatment and outcome.

Family members will be considered for certain disorders.

Family pedigree must be provided.

Special Instructions:

Only certain types of immune disease are in active enrollment at any given time. Check with Research Contact person for details.

Keywords:

Severe Combined Immune Deficiency

X-Linked SCID

Cytokine

Molecular Diagnostics

Genetic Counseling

Cytokine Receptor

Primary Immunodeficiency

Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID)

Hyper-IgE Syndrome (HIES)

Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS)

Recruitment Keywords:

Immunologic Disorders

Conditions:

Healthy

Immunologic Deficiency Syndrome

Job's Syndrome

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency

Investigational Drug(s):

None

Investigational Device(s):

None

Contacts:

Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Building 61
10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4754
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
TTY: 301-594-9774 (local),1-866-411-1010 (toll free)
Fax: 301-480-9793

Electronic Mail:prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov

Citations:

Molecular and genetic basis of X-linked immunodeficiency disorders

Dominant interfering Fas gene mutations impair apoptosis in a human autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome

Two CpG mutational hot spots in the interleukin-2 receptor g chain gene causing human X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency

• Questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
• Technical questions regarding the Clinical Center web site, please contact the Department of Networks and Applications, CC.

Search The Studies | Help | Questions |
Clinical Center Home | NIH Home

Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center (CC)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Bethesda, Maryland 20892. Last update: 10/19/2004