Abstract
Dominant-negative mutations in STAT-3 have recently been found in the majority of patients with sporadic or autosomal-dominant hyper IgE syndrome (HIES). Since STAT-3 plays a role in B cell development and differentiation, we analyzed memory B cells in 20 patients with HIES, 17 of which had STAT-3 mutations. All but four patients had reduced non-switched and/or class-switched memory B cells. No reduction in these B cell populations was found in 16 atopic dermatitis patients with IgE levels above 1000 KU/L. There was no correlation between the reduction of memory B cells and the ability to produce specific antibodies. Moreover, there was no correlation between the percentage of memory B cells and the infection history. Analysis of memory B cells can be useful in distinguishing patients with suspected HIES from patients with atopic disease, but probably fails to identify patients who are at high risk of infection.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Clinical Immunology |
Volume | 129 |
Issue number | 3 |
Pages (from-to) | 448-454 |
Number of pages | 7 |
ISSN | 1521-6616 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 12.2008 |
Research Areas and Centers
- Academic Focus: Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM)