ZAP70 deficiency

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

ZAP70 deficiency
Synonyms	Zeta-chain-associated protein kinase 70 deficiency
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Recurrent infections, failure to thrive, chronic diarrhea, eczema
Complications	Autoimmune disease, lymphoproliferative disorders
Onset	Infancy
Duration	Lifelong
Types	N/A
Causes	Mutations in the ZAP70 gene
Risks	Consanguinity
Diagnosis	Genetic testing, flow cytometry
Differential diagnosis	Severe combined immunodeficiency, CD3 complex deficiency
Prevention	Genetic counseling
Treatment	Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Medication	Prophylactic antibiotics, immunoglobulin replacement therapy
Prognosis	Variable, dependent on treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

A rare genetic disorder affecting the immune system

ZAP70 deficiency is a rare primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by a defect in the ZAP-70 protein, which is crucial for T cell receptor signaling. This condition leads to severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), affecting the body's ability to fight infections.

Pathophysiology

ZAP-70, or zeta-chain-associated protein kinase 70, is a tyrosine kinase that plays a critical role in the signaling pathways of T cells. It is essential for the activation and development of T lymphocytes, which are vital components of the adaptive immune system. In individuals with ZAP70 deficiency, mutations in the ZAP70 gene lead to a non-functional protein, impairing T cell receptor signaling. This results in the failure of T cell development and function, particularly affecting CD8+ T cells, while CD4+ T cells may be present but are non-functional.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with ZAP70 deficiency typically present in infancy with recurrent infections, failure to thrive, and chronic diarrhea. The lack of functional T cells leads to increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections, including viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens. Common infections include pneumonia, chronic diarrhea, and oral thrush.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of ZAP70 deficiency involves a combination of clinical evaluation, immunological testing, and genetic analysis. Laboratory findings often reveal normal or elevated levels of immunoglobulins but a marked reduction in CD8+ T cells. Genetic testing can confirm mutations in the ZAP70 gene, which are typically inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.

Treatment

The primary treatment for ZAP70 deficiency is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), which can restore immune function by providing the patient with healthy donor stem cells capable of developing into functional T cells. Prior to transplantation, patients may require supportive care, including prophylactic antibiotics and immunoglobulin replacement therapy, to manage infections and other complications.

Prognosis

With successful HSCT, patients with ZAP70 deficiency can achieve normal immune function and lead healthy lives. However, without treatment, the condition is life-threatening due to the severe immunodeficiency and associated complications.

See also

• Severe combined immunodeficiency
• Primary immunodeficiency
• T cell receptor
• Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation