Division of Molecular Biology & Human Genetics
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?Research
?Primary Immuno-Deficiency
? PIDDGEN? Primary immunodefici???encies (PIDs)? are a group of more than 130 disorders 
affecting the development and function of the immune system. Generally, 
PIDs are monogenic disorders with a Mendelian pattern of inheritance. Of
 particular interest to our research are PIDs that are known to cause 
increased susceptibility to mycobacteria. These include Mendelian 
Susceptibility to Mycobacterial Disease (MSMD), Chronic Granulomatous 
Disease (CGD) and Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID).
Primary immunodefici???encies (PIDs)? are a group of more than 130 disorders 
affecting the development and function of the immune system. Generally, 
PIDs are monogenic disorders with a Mendelian pattern of inheritance. Of
 particular interest to our research are PIDs that are known to cause 
increased susceptibility to mycobacteria. These include Mendelian 
Susceptibility to Mycobacterial Disease (MSMD), Chronic Granulomatous 
Disease (CGD) and Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID).
We 
believe that genes that are mutated to cause these PIDs would be 
plausible candidate genes for increased susceptibility to tuberculosis 
in the general population. Several MSMD, CGD and SCID-causing genes have
 been identified and our research team will assess these genes for 
increased susceptibility to tuberculosis in our large panel of TB 
patients.
While many mutations for MSMD, CGD and SCID have 
previously been identified, a large number of affected individuals 
exists for whom no gene mutation has been found. In collaboration with 
the National Health Laboratory Service’s Immunological Unit as well as 
the Department of Clinical Genetics and Genetic Counselling, we are 
using next generation exome sequencing to identify novel MSMD, CGD and 
SCID-causing mutations.
The novel mutations will inform treatment for these patients, and will also be assessed for their role in increased TB susceptibility in the general population.?
 
    
		
	
	
	 
 


