A Novel Germline Heterozygous BCL11B Variant Causing Severe Atopic Disease and Immune Dysregulation

B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 11B (BCL11B) is a C2H2 zinc finger transcription factor that is critically important for regulating the development and function of a variety of systems including the central nervous system, the skin, and the immune system. Germline heterozygous variants are associated with a spectrum of clinical disorders, including severe combined immunodeficiency as well as neurological, craniofacial, and dermal defects. Of these individuals, ~50% present with severe allergic disease. Here, we report the detailed clinical and laboratory workup of one of the most severe BCL11B-dependent atopic cases to date. Leveraging a zebrafish model, we were able to confirm a strong T-cell defect in the patient. Based on these data, we classify germline BCL11B-dependent atopic disease as a novel primary atopic disorder.

Epstein–Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumors in patients with primary immunodeficiencies

Epstein–Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumors (EBV-SMTs) are rare soft tissue neoplasms that typically occur in conditions of secondary immunodeficiency due to human immunodeficiency virus or immunosuppression after organ transplantation. Beyond that, EBV-SMTs occur in patients with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs). EBV-SMTs pathogenesis is still unclear but it was shown that the key mechanism of the tumor development is T- and NK-cell defect. Treatment strategy depends not only on tumor localization and resectability, but also on immunodeficiency etiology and its correction possibility. Here we report literature review and two patients with combined PIDs (CARMIL2- and ATM-genes deficiency) who developed EBV-SMT. In each case, the parents gave consent to the use of their child's data, including photographs, for research purposes and in publications.