Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Cowden's syndrome is a rare, autosomal dominant disease caused by mutations in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene. It is associated with hamartomatous polyposis of the gastrointestinal tract, mucocutaneous lesions and increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. In addition to increased risk of tumour development, mutations in PTEN have also been associated with autoimmunity in both mice and humans. Until now, however, an association between Cowden's syndrome and immune deficiency has been reported in a single patient only. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two patients with Cowden's syndrome and an increased frequency of infections were investigated for possible underlying immunodeficiency. In one patient, hypogammaglobulinaemia with a functional antibody deficiency was identified, while the other patient had a persisting CD4+ T cell lymphopenia (with normal antibody production). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that Cowden's syndrome may be associated with both T cell and B cell immune dysfunction. We recommend that patients with Cowden's syndrome and an increased frequency of infections are investigated for associated immunodeficiency.
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Authors | Michael J Browning, Anita Chandra, Valentina Carbonaro, Klaus Okkenhaug, Julian Barwell |
Journal | Journal of medical genetics
(J Med Genet)
Vol. 52
Issue 12
Pg. 856-9
(Dec 2015)
ISSN: 1468-6244 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 26246517
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Copyright | Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/ |
Chemical References |
- PTEN Phosphohydrolase
- PTEN protein, human
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Topics |
- Child
- Hamartoma Syndrome, Multiple
(diagnosis, genetics, immunology)
- Humans
- Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes
(diagnosis, genetics)
- Male
- Mutation
- PTEN Phosphohydrolase
(genetics)
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