1. A New Registry for Genetic Diagnosis of Inborn Errors of Immunity within the Military Health System
- Author
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Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics (PHA), SOM, Nathan A. Boggs, Brandon J. Schornack, Janet A. Brunader, Ahlea A. Rutt, Maria Leondaridis, Kip R. Hartman, Lydia D. Hellwig, Gauthaman Sukumar, Xijun Zhang, Joaquin Villar, Clifton L. Dalgard, Andrew L. Snow, Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics (PHA), SOM, Nathan A. Boggs, and Brandon J. Schornack, Janet A. Brunader, Ahlea A. Rutt, Maria Leondaridis, Kip R. Hartman, Lydia D. Hellwig, Gauthaman Sukumar, Xijun Zhang, Joaquin Villar, Clifton L. Dalgard, Andrew L. Snow
- Abstract
A New Registry for Genetic Diagnosis of Inborn Errors of Immunity within the Military Health System Nathan A. Boggs1,2, Brandon J. Schornack1, Janet A. Brunader3, Ahlea A. Rutt3, Maria Leondaridis4,5, Kip R. Hartman1, Lydia D. Hellwig5,6, Gauthaman Sukumar5,6, Xijun Zhang5,6, Joaquin Villar5,6, Clifton L. Dalgard5,7, Andrew L. Snow4 1Allergy and Immunology Service, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, 2Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA, 3Defense Health Agency Immunization Healthcare Division, Falls Church, VA, USA, 4Department of Pharmacology & Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA, 5Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA, 6Center for Military Precision Health, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA, 7 Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA Genotypic definition of monogenic inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) continues to accelerate with broader access to next generation sequencing, underscoring this aggregated group of disorders as a major health burden impacting both civilian and military populations. At an estimated prevalence of 1 in 1200 individuals, IEIs affect ~8,000 patients within the Military Health System (MHS). Despite access to targeted gene/exome panels at military treatment facilities, most affected patients never receive a definitive genetic diagnosis that would significantly improve clinical care. To address this gap, we established the first registry of IEI patients within the MHS with the goal of identifying known and novel pathogenic genetic defects to increase diagnosis rates and enhance clinical care. Using the registry, a research protocol was opened in July 2022. Since July we have enrolled 75 IEI patients encompassing a breadth of phenotypes inclu, RITM0037649, Genotypic definition of monogenic inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) continues to accelerate with broader access to next generation sequencing, underscoring this aggregated group of disorders as a major health burden impacting both civilian and military populations. At an estimated prevalence of 1 in 1200 individuals, IEIs affect ~8,000 patients within the Military Health System (MHS). Despite access to targeted gene/exome panels at military treatment facilities, most affected patients never receive a definitive genetic diagnosis that would significantly improve clinical care. To address this gap, we established the first registry of IEI patients within the MHS with the goal of identifying known and novel pathogenic genetic defects to increase diagnosis rates and enhance clinical care. Using the registry, a research protocol was opened in July 2022. Since July we have enrolled 75 IEI patients encompassing a breadth of phenotypes including severe and recurrent infections, bone marrow failure, autoimmunity/autoinflammation, atopic disease, and malignancy. Enrolled patients provide blood and bone marrow samples for whole genome, ultra-deep targeted panel and comprehensive transcriptome sequencing, plus cryopreservation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells for future functional studies. We are also implementing and developing analytical methods for identifying and interrogating non-coding and structural variants. Suspected pathogenic variants are adjudicated by a clinical molecular geneticist using state-of-the-art analysis pipelines. These analyses subsequently inform in vitro experiments to validate causative mutations using cell reporter systems and primary patient cells. Clinical variant validation and return of genetic results are planned with genetic counseling provided. As a proof of principle, this integrated genetic evaluation pipeline revealed a novel, candidate TLR7 nonsense variant in two adolescent brothers who both endured critical COVID-19 pneumonia, requi
- Published
- 2023