Characterization of Novel TMEM173 Mutation Causing a Lupus- and SAVI-Like Phenotype, Modified by Polymorphisms in TMEM173 and IFIH1
September 2019
in “
The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology
”
TLDR A new mutation in the STING protein causes a disease with lupus-like symptoms and responds well to a specific inhibitor treatment.
Researchers identified a novel G207E mutation in the TMEM173 gene, which caused a unique phenotype with symptoms such as alopecia, photosensitivity, thyroid dysfunction, and features of STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI). This mutation led to constitutive activation of inflammation-related pathways and aberrant interferon signature in patient cells. The study also found that common polymorphisms in TMEM173 and IFIH1 genes modified the disease presentation. The index patient showed clinical improvement with the JAK inhibitor baricitinib, highlighting the potential for targeted therapy.