Severe Allergic Dysregulation Due to a Gain of Function Mutation in the Transcription Factor STAT6

Background: Inborn errors of immunity have been implicated in causing immune dysregulation, including allergic diseases. STAT6 is a key regulator of allergic responses.

Objectives: This study sought to characterize a novel gain-of-function STAT6 mutation identified in a child with severe allergic manifestations.

Methods: Whole-exome and targeted gene sequencing, lymphocyte characterization, and molecular and functional analyses of mutated STAT6 were performed.

Results: This study reports a child with a missense mutation in the DNA binding domain of STAT6 (c.1114G>A, p.E372K) who presented with severe atopic dermatitis, eosinophilia, and elevated IgE. Naive lymphocytes from the affected patient displayed increased T2- and suppressed T1- and T17-cell responses. The mutation augmented both basal and cytokine-induced STAT6 phosphorylation without affecting dephosphorylation kinetics. Treatment with the Janus kinase 1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib reversed STAT6 hyperresponsiveness to IL-4, normalized T1 and T17 cells, suppressed the eosinophilia, and improved the patient's atopic dermatitis.

Conclusions: This study identified a novel inborn error of immunity due to a STAT6 gain-of-function mutation that gave rise to severe allergic dysregulation. Janus kinase inhibitor therapy could represent an effective targeted treatment for this disorder.