Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial diseases: state of the art

Abstract

Background: Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD) is characterized by a selective predisposition to infections caused by intracellular pathogens, such as mycobacteria, due to impaired IFN-γ immunity. To date, 18 different genes associated with MSMD have been reported.

Objectives: This review describes recent discoveries, a 2020-2021 update, in MSMD through the introduction of three novel genetic disorders, namely, AR IFN-γ, T-bet, and ZNFX1 complete deficiency, as well as molecular mechanisms underlying multifocal osteomyelitis in patients with this condition.

Sources: PubMed databases were searched for reports of MSMD since January 2020. Relevant articles and their references were screened.

Content: The review covers a general overview, known genes, classifications, symptoms, and treatments for MSMD. MSMD is classified into two groups: isolated MSMD and syndromic MSMD. Among the 18 genes responsible, 13 cause isolated MSMD, which is characterized by selective predisposition to one or more mycobacterial and related infections, and 8 cause syndromic MSMD, which involves the combination of the mycobacterial disease infectious phenotype with additional clinical phenotypes. Among the three genetic etiologies described herein, AR IFN-γ deficiency is classified as isolated MSMD, whereas AR T-bet and ZNFX1 deficiency are classified as syndromic MSMD. Multifocal osteomyelitis is a representative symptom of MSMD, and a high frequency of multifocal osteomyelitis is reported in MSMD patients due to impaired IFN-γ responses, such as with AD IFN-γR1, AD IFN-γR2, or AD STAT1 deficiency. Impaired inhibition of osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption owing to a poor response to IFN-γ has been shown to be in association with multifocal osteomyelitis in MSMD.

Implications: Over the past decade, genetic dissection by next-generation sequencing techniques has contributed to the understanding of the molecular bases of human immunity to mycobacteria. However, genetic etiologies are lacking for half of MSMD cases. Further studies will be needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of MSMD.

Keywords: IFN-γ; MSMD; Multifocal osteomyelitis; T-bet; ZNFX1.