Abstract
Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) encephalitis (HSE) is the most common form of sporadic viral encephalitis in western countries. Its pathogenesis remains unclear, as it affects otherwise healthy patients and only a small minority of HSV-1-infected individuals. Here, we elucidate a genetic etiology for HSE in two children with autosomal recessive deficiency in the intracellular protein UNC-93B, resulting in impaired cellular interferon-α/β and -λ antiviral responses. HSE can result from a single-gene immunodeficiency that does not compromise immunity to most pathogens, unlike most known primary immunodeficiencies. Other severe infectious diseases may also reflect monogenic disorders of immunity.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 308-312 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Science |
Volume | 314 |
Issue number | 5797 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 13 2006 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General