Some hereditary genetic defects cause an exaggerated immune response that can be fatal. Using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, such defects can be corrected, thus normalizing the immune response, as researchers led by Klaus Rajewsky from the Max Delbrück Center now report in Science Immunology.
Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) is a rare disease of the immune system that usually occurs in infants and young children under the age of 18 months. The condition is severe and has a high mortality rate. It is caused by various gene mutations that prevent cytotoxic T cells from functioning normally. These are a group of immune cells that kill virus–infected cells or otherwise altered cells.
If a child with FHL contracts a virus—such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but also other viruses—the cytotoxic T cells cannot eliminate the infected cells. Instead, the immune response gets out of control. This leads to a cytokine storm and an excessive inflammatory reaction that affects the entire organism.
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