Immunogenetics

Are disorders of the immune system genetic?

Research shows that immune traits are heavily influenced by our genes and genetic testing may help healthcare providers confirm diagnosis and treatment options.

What conditions of the immune system have a genetic component?

• Primary Immune Deficiency Diseases (PIDDs) (over 200 known!)

  • Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)

  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS)

  • Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD)

• Autoimmune diseases and Disorders involving the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex

  • Celiac Disease

  • Multiple Sclerosis

  • Parkinson’s disease

  • Alzheimer’s disease

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

How Can Clover Genetics Help?

• Assisting in the identification of a diagnosis

• Discussing recurrence risks

• Typically immune genetics is based on treatment or prevention.

  • Examples:

    • For severe conditions like SCID, the earlier treatments, like stem cell transplants, are enacted, the better the outcome

    • If less severe, avoidance of certain triggers or activities may be recommended, such as medications, vaccines, areas at high risk for infection, lower threshold for seeking care or antibiotics, immunoglobulins, or immune suppressants.