MHC class II deficiency

MHC class II deficiency (MHC2D), also known as bare lymphocyte syndrome type II (BLS type II), is a rare autosomal recessive primary immunodeficiency showing genetic heterogeneity. The disorder is characterized by the loss of expression of MHC class II antigens (HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, and HLA-DP) on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) resulting from mutations in regulatory genes required for proper transcription of the MHC class II genes. Affected individuals present in early infancy with severe recurrent infections (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa), usually affecting the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Protracted diarrhea and failure to thrive is often present. About 20% of patients develop autoimmune features, mainly cytopenias. Laboratory studies show reduced CD4+ T cell counts with an inverted CD4:CD8 ratio, hypogammaglobulinemia, and abnormal lymphocyte proliferation to foreign antigens. Death in infancy or early childhood often occurs, although some patients may have longer survival. MHC type II deficiency may not detected by newborn screening for T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs). Bone marrow transplantation may be curative, although complications are common (summary by Hanna and Etzioni, 2014; El Hawary et al., 2019). In HLA class II deficiency, the abnormal expression of HLA molecules has been shown to be secondary to defective synthesis (Lisowska-Grospierre et al., 1985), due in turn to an abnormal transacting regulatory gene located outside the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) (Marcadet et al., 1985; de Preval et al., 1985). The transacting regulatory factor, known as RFX, binds to class II promoters and is defective in hereditary HLA deficiency type II, otherwise known as the 'bare lymphocyte syndrome.' The failure of HLA expression leads to immunodeficiency affecting both cellular and humoral responses to antigens. DeSandro et al. (1999) reviewed the molecular bases of the several forms of MHC deficiency. Genetic Heterogeneity of MHC Class II Deficiency MHC2D2 (620815) is caused by mutation in the RFXANK gene (603200); MHC2D3 (620816) and MHC2D5 (620818) are caused by mutation in the RFX5 gene (601863); and MHC2D4 (620817) is caused by mutation in the RFXAP gene (601861). See also MHC class I deficiency (MHC1D1; 604571). [from OMIM]