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Principal investigators

Rohan Ameratunga Clinical Associate Professor Molecular Medicine & Pathology School of Medical Sciences	Dr See-Tarn Woon Honorary Research Fellow Molecular Medicine & Pathology School of Medical Sciences Phone: +64 9 307 4949 x 7616 Email: stwoon@adhb.govt.nz
	Dr See-Tarn Woon is based in LabPlus, Auckland City Hospital.

 

Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID) is the most prevalent symptomatic primary immune deficiency disorder, affecting 1:25000 of the population. These patients do not produce sufficient antibody in response to exposure to pathogens, hence they are prone to infections. Recently, genetic defects in TACI, ICOS and CD19 have been identified as the basis for the disorder in 5-15% of these patients.

We have enrolled 120 patients with CVID and hypogammaglobulinemia in this study. Patients have been enrolled from all parts of New Zealand.

We have identified a family with homozygous TACI deficiency and are currently examining the phenotype. We are also correlating clinical features of the immune deficiency with protein and genetic markers.

It is hoped that better markers will be identified which will allow early diagnosis and treatment in order to prevent disabling complications of CVID.

For more information about CVID visit Immune Deficiencies Foundation of New Zealand.

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