Genetic Diseases of Immune Homeostasis and Autoimmunity Caused by GIMAP Deficiency

We investigated 17 affected individuals in 9 kindreds with lymphopenia, splenomegaly, liver disease, thrombocytopenia, lymphadenopathy, severe recurrent lung infections, skin diseases, and lymphoma. Whole-exome sequencing of the cohort revealed mutations in GIMAP5.
We also found another patient from one kindred with a unique mutation in the gene GIMAP6, discovered by whole-exome sequencing. A comprehensive investigation of this gene mutation through in vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that GIMAP6 deficiency results in defects in autophagy in patient T cells and interruption of GIMAP7 and GABARAPL2 interactions. GIMAP6 deficiency leads to affected patients to present with clinical phenotypes such as recurrent infections, lymphoproliferation, autoimmunity, and inflammation.]]>
Inclusion Criteria: Patients known to have or suspected of having an inherited disease of the immune systemBecause of the intensive time and labor required for research laboratory testing, patients are enrolled only if, in the opinion of the investigator, there is high index of suspicion Biological relatives of enrolled patients are eligible for enrollmentThere is no limit as to age, sex, race, or disability
]]>