Defects along the TH 17 differentiation pathway underlie genetically distinct forms of the hyper IgE syndrome

Background The hyper IgE syndrome (HIES) is characterized by abscesses, eczema, recurrent infections, skeletal and connective tissue abnormalities, elevated serum IgE, and diminished inflammatory responses. It exists as autosomal-dominant and autosomal-recessive forms that manifest common and distinguishing clinical features. A majority of those with autosomal-dominant HIES have heterozygous mutations in signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)–3 and impaired TH 17 differentiation. Objective To elucidate mechanisms underlying different forms of HIES. Methods A cohort of 25 Turkish children diagnosed with HIES were examined for STAT3 mutations by DNA sequencing. Activation of STAT3 by IL-6 and IL-21 and STAT1 by IFN-α was assessed by intracellular staining with anti-phospho (p)STAT3 and -pSTAT1 antibodies. TH 17 and TH 1 cell differentiation was assessed by measuring the production of IL-17 and IFN-γ, respectively. Results Six subjects had STAT3 mutations affecting the DNA binding, Src homology 2, and transactivation domains, including 3 novel ones. Mutation-positive but not mutation-negative subjects with HIES exhibited reduced phosphorylation of STAT3 in response to cytokine stimulation, whereas pSTAT1 activation was unaffected. Both patient groups exhibited impaired TH 17 responses, but whereas STAT3 mutations abrogated early steps in TH 17 differentiation, the defects in patients with HIES with normal STAT3 affected more distal steps. Conclusion In this cohort of Turkish children with HIES, a majority had normal STAT3, implicating other targets in disease pathogenesis. Impaired TH 17 responses were evident irrespective of the STAT3 mutation status, indicating that different genetic forms of HIES share a common functional outcome.