Abstract
Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis type 3 (FHL3) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in UNC13D gene, coding the granule priming factor Munc13-4 that intervenes in NK and T cell cytotoxic function. Here we report the case of a 17-month-old girl with prolonged symptomatic EBV infectious mononucleosis and clinical symptoms of hemophagocytic syndrome. In vitro functional analysis pointed to a degranulation defect. The genetic analysis of UNC13D gene identified initially a heterozygous mutation (c.753 + 1G > T) in the donor splice-site that resulted in exon 9 skipping (maternal allele). Mutations in other genes were considered, but additional analysis of UNC13D cDNA revealed in the paternal allele a heterozygous transition from G to A (c.2448 - 13G > A) at the 3' acceptor splice-site in intron 25, generating a new acceptor splice-site that leads to a frameshift and a premature STOP codon. Allele specific amplification of the cDNA confirmed the absence of a functional mRNA from the paternal allele. This case illustrates an atypical compound heterozygous UNC13D mutation affecting the RNA splicing that generates a typical FHL3 phenotype. © 2014 Elsevier Inc.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 292-297 |
Journal | Clinical Immunology |
Volume | 153 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2014 |
Keywords
- Degranulation defect
- Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis type 3 (FHL3)
- RNA splicing defects
- UNC13D gene