Autoimmunity in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

As many as 40% of patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome may eventually suffer from an autoimmune disorder, with an increased chance of developing a malignancy. Vasculitides and autoimmune hemolytic anemia are the two most common autoimmune manifestations and often cause considerable morbidity and mortality, because they may require treatment with bone marrow transplantation. Insights into the mechanisms of autoimmunity have provided clues to the pathogenesis of these disorders in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. Chronic inflammation, interleukin-2 deficiency, and increased apoptosis may all play a possible role in the loss of peripheral tolerance to self-antigens in this disease. This article reviews the manifestations and consequences of autoimmunity in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, its possible mechanisms, and available treatments.