Novel Genetic Disorders of the Immune System

Launched by NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES (NIAID) · Oct 4, 2014

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying certain genetic disorders that affect the immune system, which is the body's defense against infections and diseases. The researchers want to learn more about why some people's immune systems do not work properly and how these disorders can impact health. They are looking for adults and children who have specific symptoms or known immune disorders, as well as their family members, to participate in the study.

Participants in the trial will undergo a variety of tests, including reviewing medical records and providing blood or saliva samples, which can be done by mail or during a clinic visit. Some may also have a small skin sample taken to help with research. While the study will not be testing new treatments, participants may receive recommendations for care based on their test results. The trial is currently recruiting participants of all ages, including pregnant women and children, to better understand these immune disorders over time. If you or a family member think you might qualify, you can reach out to learn more about getting involved.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• * INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• The following inclusion criteria apply to all subjects:
• • Patient and relatives aged 0-99 years old to include women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Only patients \>2 years of age, in stable clinical status and meeting the weight requirement of the NIH CC will be physically evaluated at the NIH CC.
• • Willingness to allow storage of blood, saliva, and other tissue specimens for future use in medical research.
• • Willingness to participate in genetic testing and allow sharing of genetic information in secure databases like dbGAP. These tests may include, but are not limited to, whole exome and whole genome sequencing.
• • Priority may be given to individuals with a family history (if readily available) suggestive of multiple affected members with a constellation of signs and symptoms suggestive of immune dysfunction among first- or second-degree relatives.
• • Eligibility of special populations
• • A. NIH employees are eligible
• • B. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding are eligible to enroll as probands Pregnant relatives are also eligible for inclusion as
• • they can provide important controls, genetic reference and historic clinical information. This protocol is not actively seeking women who are pregnant.
• • --C. Pediatric populations are eligible, with restrictions, in order to learn about the natural history of the immune disorders under investigation and to provide diagnostic work up for their ongoing clinical care. Healthy pediatric relatives can provide important diagnostic and genetic reference for affected patients.
• • -Pediatric populations are eligible, with restrictions, in order to learn about the natural history of the immune disorders under investigation and to provide diagnostic work up for their ongoing clinical care. Healthy pediatric relatives can provide important diagnostic and genetic reference for affected patients.
• Patients must have:
• • An identified genetic basis for an immune disorder or signs and symptoms suggestive of clinically significant immune dysregulation and/or immunodeficiency manifesting with features including but not limited to autoimmunity, autoinflammatory conditions, lymphadenopathy, end-organ dysfunction, unusual infections, allergies, or laboratory abnormalities consistent with immune dysregulation.
• • A primary physician outside of the NIH and will be required to submit a letter or clinical summary from their referring physician that documents their relevant health history.
• EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
• Patients will be excluded for any of the following:
• • Known genetic disorders that are already well characterized, such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), etc., and those in which we do not have an enduring research interest in the LCIM.
• • Patients with unknown immune disorders will be excluded if they have received chemotherapy within the last 6 months for a malignancy or have infections such as HIV or mycobacterial infections.
• • Severe clinical illness requiring highly specialized teams and institutions. The NIH may not be able to provide appropriate care for certain referred cases. The Principal Investigator (PI) may determine that the patient is eligible for enrollment but ineligible for admission to the Clinical Center. Patients and relatives with certain obstetric issues may pose a safety risk for travel and evaluation here. Eligibility for this group will be determined on a case by case basis by the PI.
• • Patients with well-defined autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Hashimoto s thyroiditis, Addison s disease, Graves disease, sarcoidosis and rheumatoid arthritis, among others.
• Blood relatives will be excluded for the following:
• • -Any condition which in the opinion of the investigator may interfere with evaluation of an immune system abnormality that is the subject of study under this protocol.