Development of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in triplets infected with HHV-8

Blood. 2005 Aug 15;106(4):1203-6. doi: 10.1182/blood-2005-03-0950. Epub 2005 Apr 19.

Abstract

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare disorder of immune dysregulation, characterized by end-organ damage from lymphocytic infiltration and macrophage activation. All known mutations associated with the HLH occur in genes critical in the perforin-granzyme pathway. Herein, we report HLH occurring in 2 female triplet infants who also had associated human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) infections. The subjects had identical novel compound-heterozygous mutations in the Perforin alleles, resulting in undetectable perforin expression and NK-cell cytotoxicity. Both infants also had evidence of infection with HHV-8. These reports are, to our knowledge, the first cases of HLH in triplets and the first reported cases of HHV-8 infection associated with HLH in non-renal transplant and non-HIV-infected subjects.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Herpesviridae Infections / etiology*
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human*
  • Heterozygote
  • Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell / genetics*
  • Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell / virology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Killer Cells, Natural
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Perforin
  • Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic
  • Triplets / genetics*

Substances

  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins
  • Perforin