Selection transduction defect (STD) due to Zap-70 kinase deficiency

We have previously described a new type of selective T-cell deficiency (STD) characterized by persistent infections reminiscent of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). We show here that STD patients carry a mutation of zap-70 resulting in a loss of the activity of this kinase. The thymus of zap-70-/- patients shows the presence of CD4CD8 double positive cells in the cortex, however, only CD4 but not CD8 single positive cells are present in the medulla. Peripheral CD4+ T cells from the zap-70-/- exhibit markedly reduced tyrosine phosphorylation, fail to produce IL-2, and do not proliferate in response to TCR stimulation by mitogens or antigens. Thus Zap-70 kinase appears to be indispensable for the development of CD8 single positive T cells as well as for signal transduction and function of single positive CD4 T cells.