Press Release

Heterozygous OAS1 gain-of-function variants cause an autoinflammatory immunodeficiency

Abstract

Analysis of autoinflammatory and immunodeficiency disorders elucidates human immunity and fosters the development of targeted therapies. Oligoadenylate synthetase 1 is a type I interferon–induced, intracellular double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) sensor that generates 2′-5′-oligoadenylate to activate ribonuclease L (RNase L) as a means of antiviral defense. We identified four de novo heterozygous OAS1 gain-of-function variants in six patients with a polymorphic autoinflammatory immunodeficiency characterized by recurrent fever, dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, and hypogammaglobulinemia. To establish causality, we applied genetic, molecular dynamics simulation, biochemical, and cellular functional analyses in heterologous, autologous, and inducible pluripotent stem cell–derived macrophages and/or monocytes and B cells. We found that upon interferon-induced expression, OAS1 variant proteins displayed dsRNA-independent activity, which resulted in RNase L–mediated RNA cleavage, transcriptomic alteration, translational arrest, and dysfunction and apoptosis of monocytes, macrophages, and B cells. RNase L inhibition with curcumin modulated and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation cured the disorder. Together, these data suggest that human OAS1 is a regulator of interferon-induced hyperinflammatory monocyte, macrophage, and B cell pathophysiology.

Journal Article

JOURNALScience Immunology

TITLE:Heterozygous OAS1 gain-of-function variants cause an autoinflammatory immunodeficiency 

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1126/sciimmunol.abf9564

Correspondence to

Tomohiro Morio,MD, Ph.D.,Professor

Department of Pediatrics and Developmental Biology,
Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences,
Tokyo Medical and Dental University(TMDU)
E-mail:tmorio.ped(at)tmd.ac.jp

*Please change (at) in e-mail addresses to @ on sending your e-mail to contact personnels.