Genetic Studies of X-linked Lymphoproliferative Disease

Overview

This study will study the effects of the gene on the X chromosome that is associated with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLPD)-an inherited disease affecting the immune system-on the function of the immune system. XLPD has been linked to an abnormality in a specific region of the X chromosome (one of 23 chromosome pairs that contain the genes that determine a person's hereditary makeup). The disease may develop after infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV affects more than 95 percent of people in the United States. It usually does not cause any symptoms in children. In adolescents and adults, however, EBV can cause infectious mononucleosis and sometimes lymphoproliferative disease, such as XLPD. In these diseases lymph tissues, such as lymph nodes, may become enlarged and immune function (infection-fighting ability) impaired. This study will compare DNA from patients with XLPD with that of their unaffected relatives, of patients with other lymphoproliferative diseases and of normal controls. Patients of any age with XLPD, their unaffected relatives 18 years of age and older, and patients with other lymphoproliferative diseases may participate in this study. Blood samples will be collected from all participants to study the effects of the gene on the X chromosome that appears to be abnormal in XLPD on the function of the immune system. In a 6-week period, no more than 100 milliliters (about 7 tablespoons) of blood will be drawn from adults and no more than 1 ml (1/6 teaspoon) of blood per pound of body weight from children. Blood from patients with XLPD and their relatives will also be tested for HLA type (similar to blood type testing) and the ability of HLA-matched cells from patients and relatives to interact will be examined. ...

Males with the X-linked ymphoproliferative disease (XLPD) have a marked susceptibility to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) disease. These boys develop very severe disease associated with infectious mononucleosis; others develop hypogammaglobulinemia or B cell lymphomas. Recent studies have linked the disease to a region of the X-chromosome. The purpose of this study is to determine the function of the gene responsible for XLPD. Blood samples or discarded tissues (e.g. previous biopsy or autopsy material) from patients with XLPD and their relatives will be analyzed to determine the precise genetic defect associated with the disease. Blood samples or discarded tissues from other patients with EBV-associated lymphoproliferative diseases and blood samples from normal individuals will be obtained to serve as controls. Knowledge gained from this study should provide important insights into the immunologic control of EBV lymphoproliferative disease associated with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency. In addition, identification of the molecular mechanisms for these diseases may provide clues to other EBV-associated diseases including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Burkitt lymphoma, and Hodgkin's disease.