Primary Immune Deficiency Diseases
NF-κB Essential Modifier (NEMO) Mutations
On this page:
What are NEMO mutations?
Individuals with mutations in the NEMO gene, located on the X chromosome, fail to turn on certain genes, especially those involved in inflammation and the immune response. NEMO mutations cause a defective response to infections.
back to top
Causes
NEMO is a gene that controls many aspects of immune system and body formation and function. Mutations in NEMO are X-linked (disease caused by genes located on the X chromosome) disorders that can result in complete loss of NEMO or partial defects in NEMO. Complete losses of NEMO are lethal to male fetuses during pregnancy. However, the NEMO syndrome in boys usually is the result of partial defects in the NEMO gene, which is not lethal during pregnancy, that allow some amount of protein expression.
back to top
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of NEMO mutations can include the following:
- Frequent infections with bacteria
- Abnormal immunoglobulin (antibody) levels
- Frequent infections with mycobacteria
- Frequent viral infections
- Abnormal teeth, hair, skin, and nails
back to top
Diagnosis
Genetic testing can look for and identify NEMO mutations.
back to top
Treatment
Patients with NEMO mutations receive antibiotics and immunoglobulin replacement to prevent infections. Bone marrow transplants also have been used to correct NEMO mutations.
back to top