Types of PI
There are more than 450 primary immunodeficiencies. Explore the definitions and symptoms of some of the most common types.
There are more than 450 primary immunodeficiencies. Explore the definitions and symptoms of some of the most common types.
Activated PI3K delta syndrome (APDS) is a rare primary immunodeficiency (PI) that is often misdiagnosed as CVID or another antibody deficiency.
People with agammaglobulinemia can't produce antibodies, which are an important part of the body's defense against germs.
Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), also known as autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type-1 (APS-1) or polyglandular autoimmune (PGA) syndrome type-1, is a primary immunodeficiency disease caused by variants in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene.
Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is an autosomal recessive disorder that causes neurological symptoms (like unsteady gait), dilated corkscrew-shaped blood vessels in the white of the eyes and on sun-exposed skin, combined immune deficiency, and high risk of cancer.
ALPS is a rare genetic disorder in which lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, increase and accumulate in the spleen and lymph nodes. This is due to the failure of the mechanism that normally causes lymphocytes to die naturally.
Bare lymphocyte syndrome type 1 and 2 are forms of combined immune deficiencies (CIDs) characterized by a shortage of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins.
People with chronic neutropenia have low levels of white blood cells called neutrophils, and the condition is both a rare blood disorder and a rare type of primary immunodeficiency (PI).
Combined immune deficiencies (CID) are a group of primary immunodeficiencies in which both T cells and B cells of the adaptive immune system are either low or function poorly.
Common variable immune deficiency (CVID), previously known as adult-onset hypogammaglobulinemia, is one of the most frequently diagnosed primary immunodeficiencies. It is characterized by low levels of serum antibodies, which cause an increased susceptibility to infection.
Individuals with a complement deficiency can have clinical problems that are a result of the role that the specific complement protein plays in the normal function of the human body.
Congenital athymia is an ultra-rare condition in which children are born without a thymus, causing severe immunodeficiency and immune dysregulation.
Variants in the genes encoding cytotoxic T lymphocytic antigen-4 (CTLA4) and lipopolysaccharide responsive beige-like anchor (LRBA) can cause immune dysregulation. This means the components of the immune system regulating inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer lose their proper function, leading to an array of autoimmune disorders and infections.
DiGeorge syndrome, most frequently caused by a deletion at 22q11.2, is a PI caused by abnormal migration and development of certain cells and tissues during fetal development.
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) occurs when histiocytes and lymphocytes become overactive and attack the body rather than just microorganisms. Familial HLH is a type of PI.
This syndrome is a severe form of dyskeratosis congenita with poor growth inside the womb, microcephaly (small head), and pancytopenia (low numbers of all blood cells).
Hyper IgE syndromes (HIES) are rare forms of primary immunodeficiencies (PI) characterized by recurrent eczema, skin abscesses, lung infections, eosinophilia (high numbers of eosinophils in the blood), and high serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE).
Hyper IgM syndromes (HIGM) are characterized by decreased levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the blood and normal or elevated levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM).
Patients with persistently low levels of one or two IgG subclasses and a normal total IgG level have a selective IgG subclass deficiency.
Innate immune disorders include Myd88 and IRAK-4 deficiencies, TLR3 deficiency, NF-kappa-B essential modulator (NEMO) deficiency syndrome, natural killer (NK) cell deficiency, and disorders in interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-12/23 signaling pathways.
Leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD) is a primary immunodeficiency that causes individuals to be abnormally susceptible to developing frequent soft-tissue infections, gum inflammation, and tooth loss.
NEMO deficiency syndrome is a complex disease caused by genetic variants in the X-linked NEMO gene (also known as IKK gamma or IKKG).
Selective IgA deficiency is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by an undetectable level of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the blood and secretions but no other immunoglobulin deficiencies.
Individuals with selective IgM deficiency have low levels or lack immunoglobulin M (IgM) but have normal levels of IgA, and IgG. These individuals may have no illness, whereas others develop a variety of illnesses, including infections, allergies, and autoimmunity.
Severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) is a life-threatening primary immunodeficiency (PI), with a combined absence of T cell and B cell function. There are at least 20 different genetic variants that can cause SCID.
Individuals with specific antibody deficiency have normal levels of antibodies (immunoglobulins) but cannot produce antibodies to specific types of microorganisms that cause respiratory infections.
STAT1 and STAT3 gain of function are autosomal dominant primary immunodeficiencies with significant autoimmunity as a result of immune dysregulation.
When it takes longer than expected for a baby to make their own IgG antibodies, they may have transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy (THI).
Warts, hypogammaglobulinemia, immunodeficiency, myelokathexis (WHIM) syndrome is an ultra-rare and difficult-to-diagnose primary immunodeficiency (PI) in which individuals are susceptible to life-threatening bacterial infections and to human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a rare primary immunodeficiency (PI) that causes bleeding problems and eczema in addition to susceptibility to infections. It is inherited in an X-linked recessive manner.
Use this link for information about agammaglobulinemia (x-linked and autosomal recessive), which is listed under the letter A.
PI impacts many lives. If you are living with PI, think you might have PI, are a caregiver, or healthcare professional, these resources may help.
Many people with PI live full lives. Learn how to collaborate with healthcare providers and prioritize your health.
Find out how newborn screening or laboratory and genetic tests are used to reach a diagnosis.
Learn how PI is diagnosed
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