APS-1 is caused by a mutation in the AIRE gene, encoding a protein called autoimmune regulator. This is found on the 21q22.3 chromosome location, hence chromosome 21. The AIRE gene may be affected by any of at least 186 mutations. APS-1 may be inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.
Different mutations are more common in different geographic regions. R139X is a common mutation in Sardinia. R257* is a common mutation in Finland. Both of these mutations are nonsense mutations: the asterisk and the "X" both indicate a stop codon. A 13-base-pair deletion in the AIRE gene, c.967-979del13bp, has been identified in APS-1 patients in Norway, Britain and North America.
Diagnosis of APS-1 is based on a number of tests, including endoscopy, a CT scan, a biopsy (with histological testing), and serum endocrine autoantibody screening.
Treatment
Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 treatment is based on the symptoms that are presented by the affected individual. Treatments may involve hormone therapy, systemic antifungal treatments, and immunosuppression. The JAK-STAT inhibitor ruxolitinib is being investigated as a treatment specifically for its normalizing effect on interferon-gamma.
History
APS-1 may also be known as autoimmunity endocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy / dysplasia (APECED),[citation needed] autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1,[citation needed] Whitaker syndrome, or candidiasis-hypoparathyroidism-Addison's disease syndrome.
12D.N. Cooper; E.V. Ball; P.D. Stenson; A.D. Phillips; K. Evans; S. Heywood; M.J. Hayden; M.M. Chapman; M.E Mort; L. Azevedo; D.S. Millar (eds.). "AIRE". The Human Gene Mutation Database. Institute of Medical Genetics in Cardiff. Archived from the original on 22 August 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
↑Bruserud Ø, Oftedal BE, Wolff AB, Husebye ES (2016). "AIRE-mutations and autoimmune disease". Current Opinion in Immunology. 43: 8–15. doi:10.1016/j.coi.2016.07.003. PMID27504588.