Genetic Studies of X-linked Lymphoproliferative Disease

Males with the X-linked ymphoproliferative disease (XLPD) have a marked susceptibility to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) disease. These boys develop very severe disease associated with infectious mononucleosis; others develop hypogammaglobulinemia or B cell lymphomas. Recent studies have linked the disease to a region of the X-chromosome. The purpose of this study is to determine the function of the gene responsible for XLPD. Blood samples or discarded tissues (e.g. previous biopsy or autopsy material) from patients with XLPD and their relatives will be analyzed to determine the precise genetic defect associated with the disease. Blood samples or discarded tissues from other patients with EBV-associated lymphoproliferative diseases and blood samples from normal individuals will be obtained to serve as controls. Knowledge gained from this study should provide important insights into the immunologic control of EBV lymphoproliferative disease associated with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency. In addition, identification of the molecular mechanisms for these diseases may provide clues to other EBV-associated diseases including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Burkitt lymphoma, and Hodgkin's disease.