A novel mutation in LIG4 in an infant presenting with severe combined immunodeficiency with thymic medullary dysplasia

Abstract

Background: DNA ligase IV deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive condition resulting from mutations in LIG4, an essential component of the non-homologous end-joining pathway that prevents mutagenesis and apoptosis. Patients with LIG4 deficiency present with varying degrees of combined immunodeficiency, or less commonly, severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Assessment of thymus pathology has been instrumental in defining a growing number of T cell deficiencies. In this case report, we present thymic histopathology of a LIG4 deficient patient who presented with SCID. Methods: Whole exome sequencing and Sanger confirmation were used to identify a novel mutation in LIG4. Standard immune work up and histopathology were completed to characterize deficits in immune function and dysplastic thymic architecture in our patient. Results: Next generation sequencing techniques identified a homozygous c.1102G>T, resulting in amino acid change D368Y in the adenylation domain of LIG4. Histopathology revealed a distinct absence of Hassall's corpuscles, lack of cortico-medullary demarcation, as well as lack of T cells and Langerhans histiocytes in the thymic medulla. Conclusion: We have identified a novel mutation in LIG4 resulting in a SCID phenotype. Underdevelopment of the thymus, characterized by a lack of Hassall's corpuscles and competent thymocytes, likely contributes to the immune defects observed in patients with mutations in LIG4. Statement of novelty: We report here a novel mutation in LIG4 as well as the first description of detailed thymus pathology in this condition.