Genetically determined susceptibility to mycobacterial infection

Individuals with impaired cell mediated immunity exhibit increased susceptibility to infections caused by poorly pathogenic mycobacteria (non-tuberculous mycobacteria and BCG), as well as salmonella species. However, these infections may also occur in a disseminated, fatal form, sometimes with a familial distribution, in the absence of any recognised primary or secondary immunodeficiency. Genetic analysis of affected families has defined mutations in seven different genes participating in the interleukin 12 (IL12) dependent, high output interferon gamma (IFNgamma) pathway. The first category of defect is mutations in the IFNgammaR1 or R2 genes, resulting in defective expression or function of the IFNgamma receptor. The second category of mutations abrogates the cell surface expression IL12Rbeta1gene, resulting in the inability to respond to IL12. The third category of defect is the inability to produce IL12, due to deletion within the gene coding for the inducible chain of IL12 (IL12-p40). Patients with X-linked recessive mutations of the gene encoding the NFkappaB essential modulator may also develop mycobacterial infections, although they usually have a more complex phenotype and are susceptible to a broad spectrum of pathogens. Mutations of the gene encoding the signal transducing molecule STAT1, which impairs the ability to respond to IFNgamma, and mutations of the gene encoding TYK2 (which is associated with a failure to respond to IL12), are both rare genetic defects predisposing to mycobacterial infections. This review summarises the clinical spectrum seen in this group of patients and indicates a strategy for the identification of putative genetic defects in the type-1 cytokine pathway.