Anti-interferon-γ autoantibody and opportunistic infections: case series and review of the literature

Infection. 2011 Feb;39(1):65-71. doi: 10.1007/s15010-010-0067-3. Epub 2010 Dec 3.

Abstract

Immune defects in interleukin-12-dependent interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) pathways are associated with disseminated infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and Salmonella. Recently, there have been an increasing number of reports of acquired autoantibodies to IFN-γ in adults, especially in Asian patients. We describe here three human immunodeficiency virus-negative Thai adults who had persistent or recurrent disseminated infections caused by NTM, Salmonella, and other opportunistic pathogens, possibly due to anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies. The antibodies were shown to exhibit very high inhibitory activity to IFN-γ. Two patients also developed Sweet's syndrome during the course of infections. In addition, we also review all previous reports of patients with anti-IFN-γ antibodies who were susceptible to NTM and Salmonella infections.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoantibodies / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycobacterium Infections / complications
  • Mycobacterium Infections / diagnosis*
  • Mycobacterium Infections / immunology
  • Opportunistic Infections / complications
  • Opportunistic Infections / diagnosis*
  • Opportunistic Infections / immunology
  • Salmonella Infections / complications
  • Salmonella Infections / diagnosis*
  • Salmonella Infections / immunology
  • Sweet Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Thailand

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Interferon-gamma