RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Host genetic factors in susceptibility to mycobacterial disease
JF Clinical Medicine
JO Clin Med
FD Royal College of Physicians
SP s17
OP s21
DO 10.7861/clinmedicine.14-6-s17
VO 14
IS Suppl 6
A1 Christopher JA Duncan
A1 Sophie Hambleton
YR 2014
UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/14/Suppl_6/s17.abstract
AB Primary immunodeficiencies (PID) are a group of rare inherited disorders that manifest as heightened susceptibility to infection, autoimmunity and/or malignancy. By exploring their genetic and cellular aetiology, we can learn much about the basis of pathogen-specific immunity in humans. This is exemplified by mycobacterial susceptibility, which occurs across several types of PID, either as an isolated problem or as part of a broader pattern of susceptibility to infection. These experiments of nature have contributed to our understanding of the central role of T cells in activating infected macrophages to eliminate phagosomal mycobacteria through mutually activating, cytokine-dependent interactions. In recent years, the discovery of novel forms of PID has emphasised the important role of dendritic cells and monocytes in mycobacterial defence in humans. Here, we provide a brief overview of these new disorders alongside other genetic causes of susceptibility to mycobacterial disease.