Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is characterized by a deficiency in which cells?

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is characterized by an immunodeficiency that affects both B and T lymphocytes. This X-linked recessive condition results from mutations in the WAS gene, which plays a critical role in the development and function of these immune cells. Patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome experience a triad of symptoms, including immunodeficiency, eczema, and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), stemming from the dysfunction of their adaptive immune response, which relies on both B and T cells.

In individuals with this syndrome, the impairment of T cell function leads to a decreased response to infections, while the B cell defects contribute to problems with antibody production. As a result, there is an increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmune conditions. The combined deficiency of both B and T lymphocyte functions is a hallmark of this syndrome, making it essential to recognize that both cell types are affected rather than just one.