Glioblastoma (GBM) is a brain tumor that carries a dismal prognosis and displays considerable heterogeneity. We have recently identified recurrent H3F3A mutations affecting two critical amino acids (K27 and G34) of histone H3.3 in one-third of pediatric GBM. Here, we show that each H3F3A mutation defines an epigenetic subgroup of GBM with a distinct global methylation pattern, and that they are mutually exclusive with IDH1 mutations, which characterize a third mutation-defined subgroup. Three further epigenetic subgroups were enriched for hallmark genetic events of adult GBM and/or established transcriptomic signatures. We also demonstrate that the two H3F3A mutations give rise to GBMs in separate anatomic compartments, with differential regulation of transcription factors OLIG1, OLIG2, and FOXG1, possibly reflecting different cellular origins.

The protein cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is an essential negative regulator of immune responses and its loss causes fatal autoimmunity in mice. We investigated a large autosomal-dominant family with five individuals presenting with a complex immune dysregulation syndrome characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia, recurrent infections and multiple autoimmune features. We identified a heterozygous nonsense mutation in exon 1 of CTLA4. Screening of 71 unrelated patients with comparable clinical phenotypes identified five additional families (nine individuals) with novel splice site and missense mutations in CTLA4. While clinical penetrance was incomplete (eight adults of a total of 19 CTLA4 mutation carriers were considered unaffected), CTLA-4 protein expression was decreased in regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in patients and carriers with CTLA4 mutations. Whilst Treg cells were generally present at elevated numbers, their suppressive function, CTLA-4 ligand binding and transendocytosis of CD80 were impaired. Mutations in CTLA4 were also associated with decreased circulating B cell numbers and antibody levels. Taken together, mutations in CTLA-4 resulting in CTLA-4 haploinsufficiency or impaired ligand binding results in a complex syndrome with features of both autoimmunity and immunodeficiency.

Background The genetic etiologies of the hyper-IgE syndromes are diverse. Approximately 60-70% of patients with hyper-IgE syndrome have dominant mutations in STAT3, and a single patient was reported to have a homozygous TYK2 mutation. In the remaining hyper-IgE syndrome patients, the genetic etiology has not yet been identified. Methods We performed genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism analysis for nine subjects with autosomal recessive hyper-IgE syndrome to locate copy number variations and homozygous haplotypes. Homozygosity mapping was performed with twelve subjects from seven additional families. The candidate gene was analyzed by genomic and cDNA sequencing to identify causative alleles in a total of 27 patients with autosomal recessive hyper-IgE syndrome. Findings Subtelomeric microdeletions were identified in six subjects at the terminus of chromosome 9p. In all patients the deleted interval involved DOCK8, encoding a protein implicated in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Sequencing of subjects without large deletions revealed 16 patients from nine unrelated families with distinct homozygous mutations in DOCK8 causing premature termination, frameshift, splice site disruption, single exon- and micro-deletions. DOCK8 deficiency was associated with impaired activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Interpretation Autosomal recessive mutations in DOCK8 are responsible for many, though not all, cases of autosomal recessive hyper-IgE syndrome. DOCK8 disruption is associated with a phenotype of severe cellular immunodeficiency characterized by susceptibility to viral infections, atopic eczema, defective T cell activation and TH17 cell differentiation; and impaired eosinophil homeostasis and dysregulation of IgE.

Affected mutation carriers with CTLA-4 insufficiency can present in any medical specialty. Family members should be counseled because disease manifestation can occur as late as 50 years of age. EBV- and cytomegalovirus-associated complications must be closely monitored. Treatment interventions should be coordinated in clinical trials.

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Angioedema is an underestimated clinical problem. Many cases are nonallergic reactions, e.g. bradykinin‐induced angioedema caused by genetic defects and angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. This difference is crucial for successful therapy, in particular when complete emergency care is not available. Five important forms of nonallergic angioedema can be distinguished: hereditary (HAE), acquired (AAE), renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS)‐blocker‐induced (RAE), pseudoallergic angioedema (PAE) and idiopathic angioedema (IAE). Some angioedema are present in the larynx and may cause death. A vast majority of nonallergic angioedema are RAE, particularly those caused by ACE inhibitors. It appears important to emphasize that in patients with complete intolerance to RAAS‐blockers, cessation of RAAS‐blockers is likely to be associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Currently, there is no published algorithm for diagnosis and treatment. Angioedema is usually treated by a conservative clinical approach using artificial ventilation, glucocorticoids and antihistamines. Today, a plasma pool C1‐esterase inhibitor (C1‐INH) concentrate is the therapy of choice in HAE. The current pharmacotherapy of nonallergic angioedema is not satisfactory, thus requiring the identification of effective agents in clinical trials. Recently, several new drugs were developed: a recombinant C1‐INH, a kallikrein inhibitor (ecallantide) and a specific bradykinin‐B2‐receptor antagonist (icatibant). According to currently available reports, these drugs may improve the treatment of kinin‐induced angioedema.

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Sixty patients (16 children, 44 adults) participated in the study aiming at evaluating: (i) IgG levels when switching patients from intravenous IgG (IVIG) infusions in hospital to subcutaneous (SCIG) self-infusions at home using the same cumulative monthly dose, (ii) protections against infections, and (iii) safety of a new, ready-to-use 16% IgG preparation. All children and 33 adults had received IVIG therapy for >6 months at enrolment. Ten adults who had been on SCIG therapy for many years served as controls. Mean serum IgG trough levels increased in the pre-IVIG children from 7.8 to 9.2 g/L (non-inferiority: p < 0.001) and in the adults from 8.6 to 8.9 g/L (non-inferiority: p < 0.001). Totally 114 respiratory tract infections occurred, 90% of them mild. One serious bacterial infection (pneumonia) was reported for one adult. The annualized rate of serious infections was 0.04 episodes/patient. In total 2297 infusions were given and 28 (1%) systemic adverse reactions occurred, none of them severe. Local tissue reactions declined over time, this being particularly distinct after 8 to 10 weeks. In conclusion, the SCIG administration route was safe. High IgG levels were easily maintained resulting in a very good protection against infections.