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Adam MP, Feldman J, Mirzaa GM, et al., editors. GeneReviews® [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2024.

Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome

Synonym: ALPS
, MD, PhD
Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Bone Marrow Transplantation & Immune Deficiency Cincinnati Children's Hospital Cincinnati, Ohio
, MS, CGC
Genetic Counselor, Division of Human Genetics Cincinnati Children's Hospital Cincinnati, Ohio
, MD, MBA
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Human Genetics Cincinnati Children's Hospital Cincinnati, Ohio

Initial Posting: ; Last Update: August 24, 2017.

Estimated reading time: 49 minutes

Summary

Clinical characteristics.

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS), caused by defective lymphocyte homeostasis, is characterized by the following:

  • Non-malignant lymphoproliferation (lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly with or without hypersplenism) that often improves with age
  • Autoimmune disease, mostly directed toward blood cells
  • Lifelong increased risk for both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma

In ALPS-FAS (the most common and best-characterized type of ALPS, associated with heterozygous germline pathogenic variants in FAS), non-malignant lymphoproliferation typically manifests in the first years of life, inexplicably waxes and wanes, and then often decreases without treatment in the second decade of life; in many affected individuals, however, neither splenomegaly nor the overall expansion of lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood decreases. Although autoimmunity is often not present at the time of diagnosis or at the time of the most extensive lymphoproliferation, autoantibodies can be detected before autoimmune disease manifests clinically.

In ALPS-FAS caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous (biallelic) pathogenic variants in FAS, severe lymphoproliferation occurs before, at, or shortly after birth, and usually results in death at an early age.

ALPS-sFAS, resulting from somatic FAS pathogenic variants in selected cell populations, notably the alpha/beta double-negative T cells (α/β-DNT cells), appears to be similar to ALPS-FAS resulting from heterozygous germline pathogenic variants in FAS, although lower incidence of splenectomy and lower lymphocyte counts have been reported in ALPS-sFAS and no cases of lymphoma have yet been published.

Diagnosis/testing.

The diagnosis of ALPS is based on the following:

  • Clinical findings
  • Laboratory abnormalities:
    • Abnormal biomarker testing (soluble interleukin-10 [IL-10], Fas ligand [FasL], IL-18, and vitamin B12)
    • Defective in vitro tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 6 (Fas)-mediated apoptosis
    • T cells that express the alpha/beta T-cell receptor but lack both CD4 and CD8 (so-called "α/β-DNT cells")
  • Identification of pathogenic variants in genes relevant for the Fas pathway of apoptosis. These genes include FAS (either germline or somatic pathogenic variants), CASP10, and FASGL.
    Up to 20% of those with clinical ALPS have not had a genetic etiology identified.

Management.

Treatment of manifestations: Current management is focused on monitoring for and treatment of lymphoproliferation, hypersplensim, and lymphomas and management of cytopenias and other autoimmune diseases. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy do not decrease lymphadenopathy long term and are generally reserved for severe complications of lymphoproliferation (e.g., airway obstruction, significant hypersplenism associated with splenomegaly) and/or autoimmune manifestations. Experience with sirolimus suggests that it is the preferred agent in treating lymphoproliferation in a more sustained manner, including maintenance of remission following a period of discontinued use of sirolimus; however, sirolimus is not without side effects. Lymphoma is treated with conventional protocols. Autoimmune cytopenias and other autoimmune diseases are typically treated by immune suppression with corticosteroids as well as corticosteroid-sparing agents if prolonged treatment of autoimmune cytopenias is required and/or in cases of refractory cytopenias.

Splenectomy is reserved as an option of last resort in the treatment of life-threatening refractory cytopenias and/or severe hypersplenia because of the high risk of recurrence of cytopenias and sepsis post-splenectomy in persons with ALPS.

Prevention of primary manifestations: Bone marrow (hematopoietic stem cell) transplantation (BMT/HSCT), the only curative treatment for ALPS, has to date mostly been performed on those with severe clinical phenotypes such as ALPS-FAS caused by biallelic pathogenic variants, those with severe and/or refractory autoimmune cytopenias, those with lymphoma, and those who have developed complications from (often long-term) immunosuppressive therapy.

Prevention of secondary complications: Vaccinations pre-splenectomy (with consideration of post-splenectomy boost vaccinations) and penicillin prophylaxis are strongly recommended for individuals who undergo splenectomy.

Surveillance: Clinical assessment and imaging and laboratory studies for manifestations of lymphoproliferation and autoimmunity; specialized imaging studies to detect malignant transformation.

Agents/circumstances to avoid: Splenectomy is discouraged as it typically does not lead to permanent remission of autoimmunity and is associated with increased risk of infection. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be used with caution in individuals with immune thrombocytopenia as they can interfere with platelet function.

Evaluation of relatives at risk: If the pathogenic variant(s) have been identified in a family member with ALPS, it is appropriate to perform molecular genetic testing on at-risk relatives to allow for early diagnosis and treatment.

Pregnancy management: Assessment of the risks and benefits of treating a woman who has ALPS with corticosteroids, mycophenylate mofitil, or sirolimus during pregnancy must take into consideration the potential teratogenic risks to the fetus.

Genetic counseling.

Inheritance of ALPS-CASP10, most cases of ALPS-FAS, and some cases of ALPS-FASLG is autosomal dominant. Each child of an individual with autosomal dominant ALPS has a 50% chance of inheriting the pathogenic variant. Inheritance of most cases of ALPS-FASLG and severe ALPS associated with biallelic FAS pathogenic variants is autosomal recessive. The parents of an individual with autosomal recessive ALPS are likely to be heterozygotes, in which case each has one FAS pathogenic variant; these parents may have ALPS-related findings or may be clinically asymptomatic.

Prenatal testing for a pregnancy at increased risk is possible if the pathogenic variant(s) have been identified in an affected family member.

ALPS-FAS can also be the result of somatic mosaicism. Somatic pathogenic variants have not been reported in ALPS-FASLG or ALPS-CASP10 to date.

Diagnosis

Suggestive Findings

The diagnosis of autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is based on a constellation of clinical findings, laboratory abnormalities, and identification of pathogenic variants in genes relevant for the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 6 (Fas) pathway of apoptosis.

ALPS should be suspected in individuals with combinations of the following [Bleesing 2003, Rieux-Laucat et al 2003]:

  • Chronic non-malignant lymphoproliferation
    • Chronic and/or recurrent lymphadenopathy
    • Splenomegaly with/without hypersplenism
    • Hepatomegaly
    • Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (less common)
  • Autoimmune disease
    • Cytopenia, particularly combinations of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), and autoimmune neutropenia
      Note: The combination of AIHA and ITP is often referred to as Evans syndrome.
    • Other, including autoimmune hepatitis, autoimmune glomerulonephritis, autoimmune thyroiditis and (less commonly) uveitis and Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • Lymphoma, both Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Skin rashes, often but not exclusively of an urticarial nature
  • Family history of ALPS or ALPS-like features

Establishing the Diagnosis

The diagnosis of ALPS is established in a proband who meets the clinical diagnostic criteria, which may include identification of a heterozygous pathogenic variant or biallelic pathogenic variants in one of the genes listed in Table 1.

A revised set of diagnostic criteria have been proposed [Oliveira et al 2010]:

  • A definitive diagnosis of ALPS is based on the presence of both required criteria and one primary accessory criterion (see following).
  • A probable diagnosis is based on the presence of both required criteria plus one secondary accessory criterion.

Required criteria

  • Chronic (>6 months) non-malignant, noninfectious lymphadenopathy and/or splenomegaly
  • Elevated α/β-DNT cells with normal or elevated lymphocyte counts

Primary accessory criteria

  • Defective lymphocyte apoptosis (repeated at least once)
  • Germline or somatic pathogenic variants in CASP10, FAS, or FASLG

Secondary accessory criteria

  • Elevated levels of one of the following:
    • Plasma soluble FASL
    • Plasma interleukin-10
    • Serum vitamin B12
    • Plasma interleukin-18
  • Typical immunohistologic findings as determined by an experienced hematopathologist
  • Autoimmune cytopenias with elevated (polyclonal) immunoglobulin G levels
  • Positive family history

Laboratory Findings

Although no specific laboratory abnormality alone is diagnostic of ALPS, the detection of the following facilitates the diagnosis [Bleesing 2003, Magerus-Chatinet et al 2009, Caminha et al 2010, Oliveira et al 2010, Rensing-Ehl et al 2013]:

  • Defective Fas-mediated apoptosis in vitro
  • T cells that express the alpha/beta T-cell receptor but lack both CD4 and CD8 (so-called alpha/beta double-negative T cells [α/β-DNT cells] in peripheral blood or tissue specimens). Detected by flow cytometric immunophenotyping, these terminally differentiated in vivo-activated T cells are rare in healthy individuals and other immune-mediated (lymphoproliferative) disorders; typically they constitute less than 2% of the lymphocyte pool.
  • Increased levels of the ALPS-specific biomarkers: soluble IL-10, IL-18, FasL, and vitamin B12 in plasma/serum [Bowen et al 2012]

Secondary laboratory findings in ALPS [Lim et al 1998, Carter et al 2000, Bleesing et al 2001,Bleesing 2003, Bleesing 2005, Maric et al 2005, Magerus-Chatinet et al 2009, Caminha et al 2010, Oliveira et al 2010, Bowen et al 2012, Neven et al 2014]:

  • Hematology
    • Lymphocytosis, lymphopenia (primary or secondary in response to treatment)
    • Coombs-positive hemolytic anemia
    • Dyserythropoiesis
    • Reticulocytosis
    • Thrombocytopenia
    • Neutropenia
    • Eosinophilia
  • Immunology
    • Expansion of other lymphocyte subsets
      • Gamma/delta-DNT cells
      • CD8+/CD57+ T cells
      • HLA-DR+ T cells
      • CD5+ B cells
    • Decreased numbers of CD4+/CD25+ T cells
    • Decreased numbers of CD27+ B cells
    • Elevated concentration of IL-10 and IL-18 in serum/plasma
    • Elevated concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgE; normal or decreased concentrations of IgM
    • Autoantibodies (most often positive direct or indirect antiglobulin test, antiplatelet antibody, antineutrophil antibody, antiphospholipid antibody, antinuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor)
    • Lymph node pathology (paracortical expansion with immunoblasts/plasma cells and DNT cells in interfollicular areas, florid follicular hyperplasia, progressive transformation of germinal centers [PTGC])
  • Other
    • Increased soluble CD25 (sIL-2R alpha), CD27, CD30, and Fas ligand (FasL)
    • Monoclonal gammopathy
    • Decreased antibody responses to polysaccharide antigens [Neven et al 2014]
  • Chemistry
    • Liver function abnormalities (in case of autoimmune hepatitis)
    • Proteinuria (in case of glomerulonephritis)
    • Elevated serum concentration of vitamin B12

Normal findings in (typical) ALPS

  • Neutrophil function
  • Complement factors concentrations and function
  • In vitro proliferative responses of T cells (e.g., in response to common mitogens and antigens)
  • NK-cell and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) function; possibly decreased CTL activity in ALPS on the basis of defective FasL (i.e., ALPS-FASLG).
  • Antibody responses to protein antigens (e.g., diphtheria, tetanus)

Note: (1) The abnormal and normal laboratory findings listed have been most reliably established for individuals with ALPS caused by either germline or somatic pathogenic variants in FAS. (2) Cell surface expression of Fas (CD95) can be normal, increased, or decreased and is in general not helpful in the diagnosis of ALPS. (3) When interpreting laboratory data of individuals with (suspected) ALPS, the influence of concurrent immunosuppressive agents at the time of testing needs to be considered.

Molecular Genetic Testing

Molecular genetic testing approaches can include serial single-gene testing, use of a multigene panel, and more comprehensive genomic testing.

Serial single-gene testing. Sequence analysis of the gene of interest is performed first and followed by gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis if no pathogenic variant is found.

  • For this disorder, it is recommended that FAS be tested first. See Figure 1 for algorithm.
  • In the absence of a germline FAS pathogenic variant, FAS sequencing in sorted α/β-DNT cells to detect somatic pathogenic variants should be performed. If present, the diagnosis of ALPS-sFAS is established.
  • If neither a germline nor a somatic FAS pathogenic variant is identified, CASP10 and FASLG should be tested next. The detection of germline pathogenic variants in either CASP10 or FASLG establishes the diagnosis of ALPS-CASP10 or ALPS-FASLG, respectively.
  • A Fas-mediated apoptosis assay should be performed if germline pathogenic variants in CASP10 or FASLG are not identified (repeat if necessary, noting the influence of concomitant immunosuppressive therapy). If abnormal, the diagnosis of ALPS-U is established.

Notes: (1) Absence of a positive family history is suggestive of ALPS-sFAS. (2) Loss of heterozygosity of FAS pathogenic variants has been observed in blood cells. (3) FAS somatic pathogenic variants in selected cell populations, including α/β-DNT cells, produce a phenotype similar to that caused by FAS germline pathogenic variants. (4) The presence of elevated biomarkers has not been reliably established in CASP10 or FASLG-related ALPS. (5) Thus far, somatic pathogenic variants in FAS only have been reported to cause ALPS; however, it is theoretically possible that somatic pathogenic variants in CASP10 and FASLG may also be causative.

A multigene panel that includes CASP10, FAS, FASLG, and other genes of interest (see Differential Diagnosis) may also be considered. Note: (1) The genes included in the panel and the diagnostic sensitivity of the testing used for each gene vary by laboratory and are likely to change over time. (2) Some multigene panels may include genes not associated with the condition discussed in this GeneReview; thus, clinicians need to determine which multigene panel is most likely to identify the genetic cause of the condition while limiting identification of variants of uncertain significance and pathogenic variants in genes that do not explain the underlying phenotype. (3) In some laboratories, panel options may include a custom laboratory-designed panel and/or custom phenotype-focused exome analysis that includes genes specified by the clinician. (4) Methods used in a panel may include sequence analysis, deletion/duplication analysis, and/or other non-sequencing-based tests.

For an introduction to multigene panels click here. More detailed information for clinicians ordering genetic tests can be found here.

More comprehensive genomic testing (when available) including exome sequencing and genome sequencing may be considered. Such testing may provide or suggest a diagnosis not previously considered (e.g., mutation of a different gene or genes that results in a similar clinical presentation).

For an introduction to comprehensive genomic testing click here. More detailed information for clinicians ordering genomic testing can be found here.

Table 1.

Molecular Genetic Testing Used in ALPS

Gene 1ALPS TypeProportion of ALPS Attributed to Pathogenic Variants in GeneProportion of Pathogenic Variants 2 Detectable by Method 3
Sequence analysis 4Gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis 5
CASP10 ALPS-CASP103%-6% 6, 75/5Unknown 8
FAS ALPS-FAS65%-70% 9, 10>90%3%-4%
ALPS-sFAS~15%-20% 11, 12
FASLG ALPS-FASLG<1% 137/7Unknown 8
UnknownALPS-U~20% 14NA
1.

See Table A. Genes and Databases for chromosome locus and protein.

2.

See Molecular Genetics for information on allelic variants detected in this gene.

3.

Pathogenic variants listed in Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD) considered to assess the proportion of variants detectable by each methodology

4.

Sequence analysis detects variants that are benign, likely benign, of uncertain significance, likely pathogenic, or pathogenic. Variants may include small intragenic deletions/insertions and missense, nonsense, and splice site variants; typically, exon or whole-gene deletions/duplications are not detected. For issues to consider in interpretation of sequence analysis results, click here.

5.

Gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis detects intragenic deletions or duplications. Methods used may include quantitative PCR, long-range PCR, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and a gene-targeted microarray designed to detect single-exon deletions or duplications.

6.

Note that of the two pathogenic variants in CASP10 originally reported [Wang et al 1999], p.Val410Ile was subsequently determined not to cause ALPS [Zhu et al 2006].

7.

In two individuals, ALPS was presumed to result from coinherited pathogenic variants in FAS and CASP10 that were hypothesized to cooperate in causing ALPS [Cerutti et al 2007].

8.

No data on detection rate of gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis are available.

9.

Generally heterozygous germline pathogenic variants occur in FAS. Homozygous / compound heterozygous FAS germline pathogenic variants are also observed and are typically associated with a severe phenotype [Rieux-Laucat et al 1995, Kasahara et al 1998, van der Burg et al 2000, Bleesing 2003, Rieux-Laucat et al 2003].

10.

Individuals with an inherited germline pathogenic variant in addition to a second acquired pathogenic variant [Magerus-Chatinet et al 2011], as well as individuals exhibiting somatic loss of heterozygosity [Magerus-Chatinet et al 2011, Hauck et al 2013], have been also described.

11.

Somatic pathogenic variants are observed in selected cell populations, including α/β-DNT cells [Holzelova et al 2004, Rössler et al 2005, Dowdell et al 2010], but rarely in other lymphocyte subsets and not in non-lymphocytes.

12.

Detection of FAS somatic pathogenic variants requires specialized genetic testing of α/β-DNT cells sorted by either flow cytometric immunophenotyping or by magnetic bead immunophenotyping.

13.

Homozygous or heterozygous germline pathogenic variants in FASLG have been reported: individuals with biallelic homozygous pathogenic variants have especially severe disease [Magerus-Chatinet et al 2013]. A review of reported cases identifies a total of eight cases (including 2 sibs). In five of seven probands, ALPS was associated with homozygous FASLG pathogenic variants and an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern (see Molecular Pathogenesis).

14.

Approximately 20%-25% of individuals with ALPS lack a genetic diagnosis [Bleesing 2003].

Clinical Characteristics

Clinical Description

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) can be considered a prototypic disorder of defective lymphocyte homeostasis [Sneller et al 1992, Fisher et al 1995, Rieux-Laucat et al 1995].

The manifestations are lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly with or without hypersplenism, and autoimmune disease, mostly directed toward blood cells. In addition, the risk of lymphoma is increased.

Summary of Clinical Manifestations of ALPS

Lymphoproliferation of non-malignant lymphoid cells

  • Lymphadenopathy
  • Splenomegaly (+/- hypersplenism)
  • Hepatomegaly

Autoimmunity

  • Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
  • Autoimmune thrombocytopenia
  • Autoimmune neutropenia
  • Glomerulonephritis
  • Autoimmune hepatitis
  • Guillain Barré syndrome
  • Uveitis, iridocyclitis
  • Other autoimmune disorders (in individual cases)

Neoplasia (including benign tumors)

  • Lymphoma (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma)
  • Carcinoma (thyroid, breast, skin, tongue, liver)
  • Multiple neoplastic lesions (thyroid/breast adenomas, gliomas)

Other and/or infrequent findings

  • Urticaria and other skin rashes
  • Vasculitis
  • Panniculitis
  • Arthritis and arthralgia
  • Recurrent oral ulcers
  • Humoral immunodeficiency
  • Pulmonary infiltrates
  • Premature ovarian insufficiency
  • Hydrops fetalis
  • Organic brain syndrome (mental status changes, seizures, headaches)

The natural history of ALPS is not well understood. While non-malignant lymphoproliferative manifestations often regress or improve over time, autoimmunity appears to show no permanent remission with advancing age. Moreover, the risk for development of lymphoma likely is lifelong. Thus, in the absence of curative treatment, the overall prognosis for ALPS remains guarded, necessitating long-term clinical studies to better understand its natural history. Two publications have provided significant new insights into the features, complications, natural history, and prognosis of ALPS. These studies are subsequently referred to in this GeneReview as the "French cohort" and the "NIH cohort" [Neven et al 2011, Price et al 2014].

ALPS-FAS

ALPS-FAS is the most common and best-characterized type of ALPS. The following are the main consequences of perturbed lymphocyte homeostasis in ALPS-FAS.

Chronic non-malignant lymphoproliferation. Expansion of antigen-specific lymphocyte populations that are not eliminated through apoptosis leads to expansion of the lymphoid compartment, resulting in lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, hypersplenism, and, less frequently, hepatomegaly. In most individuals with ALPS-FAS, this finding typically manifests in the first years of life. In some individuals, splenomegaly is the predominant or only manifestation of lymphoproliferation [Bleesing 2003, Rieux-Laucat et al 2003].

The median age of onset was three years in the French cohort and 2.7 years in the NIH cohort. Lymphadenopathy was present in 85% in the French cohort and 97% in the NIH cohort, while splenomegaly was present in 94% in the French cohort (with 73% showing hypersplenism) and 95% in the NIH cohort [Neven et al 2011, Price et al 2014].

In many individuals, lymphadenopathy tends to decrease early in the second decade, whereas splenomegaly often does not. Furthermore, long-term follow up in several individuals has shown that diminution of lymphadenopathy is not accompanied by significant changes in the overall expansion of lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood [Bleesing et al 2001]. The lymphoproliferation waxes and wanes for reasons that are not entirely clear. Intercurrent viral and bacterial infections can influence lymphadenopathy, perhaps reflecting activation of other (intact) apoptosis pathways.

The overall prognosis of lymphoproliferation is relatively good; few individuals require long-term treatment with immunosuppressive agents to control lymphoproliferation [Bleesing 2003, Rieux-Laucat et al 2003, Neven et al 2011, Price et al 2014].

Laboratory findings of lymphoproliferation show expansion of most lymphocyte subsets including the pathognomonic α/β-DNT cells as well as other T- and B-cell subsets.

Autoimmunity, a common feature of ALPS, is often not present at the time of diagnosis or at the time of the most extensive lymphoproliferation. The reason for the delay in onset is unclear but may be related to age-dependent acquisition of secondary pathogenic factors that interact with defective Fas-mediated apoptosis. In many individuals with ALPS autoantibodies can be detected years before the appearance of clinical manifestations of autoimmune disease [Bleesing 2003, Rieux-Laucat et al 2003].

The French cohort and NIH cohort revealed that, in general, affected individuals with later disease onset often present with autoimmune disease, while younger individuals typically present with lymphoproliferative disease, followed by autoimmune disease, with a two- to three-year delay between lymphoproliferative disease onset and autoimmune disease onset. However, many affected individuals in both age groups presented with autoimmune disease as their first manifestation of ALPS [Neven et al 2011, Price et al 2014].

Although autoimmune manifestations can also wax and wane, current knowledge suggests that autoimmune disease poses a lifelong burden. In the NIH cohort, 37% of affected individuals were described as having a severe autoimmune disease phenotype (as determined by the presence of grade 3 or 4 cytopenias) within two years of disease onset [Price et al 2014].

Autoimmunity most often involves combinations of Coombs-positive hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenia (together referred to as Evans syndrome); autoimmune neutropenia is less common. The observation of primary lymphopenia, contrasting with the typical presence of lymphocytosis, suggests the possibility of autoimmune lymphopenia (as seen in other autoimmune diseases).

The presence of Evans syndrome without significant lymphoproliferation can be consistent with ALPS, especially if α/β-DNT cells are present [Seif et al 2010].

Autoimmune cytopenias may be difficult to distinguish from the effects of concomitant hypersplenism; examination of blood smears for evidence of hemolysis and measurement of autoantibodies and the degree of reticulocytosis may help in establishing the distinction.

Additional autoimmune features can be found, often in patterns that appear to be family specific, suggesting the influence of other (background) genetic information [Rieux-Laucat et al 1999, Vaishnaw et al 1999, Kanegane et al 2003].

Laboratory findings include among others: autoantibodies detected by direct and indirect antiglobulin tests (Coombs' test), antiplatelet antibodies, antineutrophil antibodies, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), and antiphospholipid antibodies.

Lymphoma. Individuals with ALPS-FAS are at an increased risk for both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, underscoring the role of Fas as a tumor-suppressor gene. Based on calculations in one study, the increased risk is 14-fold and 51-fold for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), respectively [Straus et al 2001].

More recently, updated risk calculations were provided through the French cohort and the NIH cohort. The French cohort provided a 15% cumulative risk of lymphoma before age 30 years. This represented seven cases of lymphoma (3 cases of HL and 4 cases of NHL) out of a total of 90 affected individuals [Neven et al 2011].

In the NIH cohort, 18 cases of lymphoma out of a total of 150 affected individuals were identified with a median age of detection of 18 years and a male-to-female ratio of 3.5 to 1. Sixteen (89%) of 18 cases were of B-cell origin. It was determined that 17/18 cases occurred in individuals with pathogenic variants affecting the death domain of FAS. Using published expected cases of HL and NHL in the general population, the 16 cases of B-cell lymphoma conferred a standardized incidence ratio of 149 for HL and 61 for NHL. These numbers are significantly different from those previously published by the NIH group [Straus et al 2001, Price et al 2014].

Lymphoma typically originates in B cells, but has been found in T cells as well, although much less frequently (2/18 cases in the NIH cohort) [Price et al 2014]. Lymphoma is not related to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection (based on absence of EBV in tumor biopsies).

Current experience suggests that lymphomas can occur at any age in ALPS-FAS and do respond to conventional chemotherapeutic treatment. Individuals with other forms of ALPS may also be at an increased risk for lymphoma; however, further data are needed to provide a detailed risk assessment. Because of the frequent concomitant presence of benign (i.e., "typical") lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly, distinguishing a "good" node from a "bad" node is a diagnostic challenge. Important clues are B-type symptoms including fever, night sweats, itching, and weight loss. In addition, PET-based imaging may be helpful in distinguishing "good" from "bad" nodes on the basis of presumed higher metabolic activity of malignant lymphoid tissue [Rao et al 2006].

A number of studies have looked at associations between Fas and neoplasms, including somatic pathogenic variants in solid tumors, leukemias, and lymphomas. For further discussion, see Müschen et al [2002], Houston & O'Connell [2004], Poppema et al [2004], and Peter et al [2005].

ALPS-FAS Caused by Biallelic Pathogenic Variants

Chronic non-malignant lymphoproliferation. Individuals with homozygous or compound heterozygous FAS pathogenic variants often present with severe lymphoproliferation at or shortly after birth [Rieux-Laucat et al 1995, Le Deist et al 1996, Kasahara et al 1998, van der Burg et al 2000].

Autoimmunity. In several individuals reported, the delay between onset of autoimmunity and lymphoproliferation was minimal, while in others this was not the case. The rarity of and poor prognosis in ALPS-FAS resulting from biallelic pathogenic variants make it difficult to draw firm conclusions regarding autoimmunity in this type of ALPS [Rieux-Laucat et al 1995, Le Deist et al 1996, Kasahara et al 1998, van der Burg et al 2000].

Lymphoma. Because of the severity of ALPS-FAS caused by biallelic pathogenic variants, affected individuals typically succumb to lymphoproliferation and/or autoimmunity at an early age.

ALPS-sFAS

Somatic FAS pathogenic variants in selected cell populations (notably the α/β-DNT cells) have been identified in individuals with ALPS-sFAS. Individuals with somatic FAS pathogenic variants now constitute the second largest group of ALPS. Most of the clinical and laboratory features of ALPS-FAS are recapitulated in individuals with somatic FAS pathogenic variants including age of presentation, although lower incidence of splenectomy and lower lymphocyte counts have been reported in ALPS-sFAS and no cases of lymphoma have yet been published.

The population of α/β-DNT cells is expanded; however, as noted initially [Holzelova et al 2004, Rössler et al 2005, Magerus-Chatinet et al 2011], Fas-mediated apoptosis in vitro is typically not defective, although defective Fas-mediated apoptosis has been noted in some recently published cases [Dowdell et al 2010].

Pathogenesis of ALPS

The phenotype of ALPS results from defective apoptosis of lymphocytes mediated through the Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) pathway. This pathway normally limits the size of the lymphocyte compartment by eliminating/removing autoreactive lymphocytes; therefore, defects in this pathway lead to expansion of antigen-specific lymphocyte populations. Although Fas also appears to play a role in suppression of malignant transformation of lymphocytes, it remains to be firmly established whether this involves the Fas/FasL pathway in a similar way. It should be noted that the pathogenesis of ALPS remains an ongoing topic of research.

Somatic FAS pathogenic variants are of particular interest in understanding the pathogenesis of ALPS, for example, with regard to the observed delay between lymphoproliferation and autoimmunity: the somatic pathogenic variant is mostly confined to the α/β-DNT cells and typically not found (at least not in large proportion) in other lymphocyte subsets such as B cells. Perhaps this observation will help to characterize the impact of the FAS pathogenic variant relative to other potential pathogenic factors.

Genotype-Phenotype Correlations

ALPS-FAS. The clinical lymphoproliferative and autoimmune phenotype of ALPS is associated with pathogenic variants which affect any domain of Fas. Lymphomas, in contrast, seem thus far to be associated mostly with pathogenic variants affecting the intracellular domains of Fas, although independent confirmation is required [Straus et al 2001, Price et al 2014].

In the majority of affected individuals, heterozygous FAS pathogenic variants are associated with ALPS-FAS by the mechanism of dominant-negative interference; however, with certain pathogenic variants affecting extracellular domain, the proposed mechanism is haploinsufficiency. In the latter case, the ALPS clinical phenotype may be less severe, linked to less defective in vitro apoptosis [Kuehn et al 2011]. (For further discussion see Molecular Pathogenesis.)

ALPS-FASLG and ALPS-CASP10. Because of their rarity, genotype-phenotype correlations are not clearly established for FASLG and CASP10 pathogenic variants.

Penetrance

ALPS-FAS. A distinction needs to be made between the penetrance of the cellular phenotype (defective Fas-mediated apoptosis) and the penetrance of the clinical phenotype (i.e., ALPS).

Family studies to date suggest that penetrance for the defective Fas-mediated apoptosis cellular phenotype approximates 100% (i.e., every individual heterozygous for an inherited [germline] pathogenic variant has defective apoptosis) whereas the penetrance for the clinical phenotype is reduced because a significant proportion of relatives heterozygous for the pathogenic variant have no clinical findings of ALPS. In addition, other relatives have laboratory findings of ALPS (e.g., expansion of lymphocyte subsets and/or autoantibodies) without clinical evidence of either lymphoproliferation or autoimmunity [Infante et al 1998, Jackson et al 1999, Bleesing et al 2001].

The factors that determine the penetrance of clinical ALPS are not entirely understood. Penetrance appears to be determined by the location and type of pathogenic variant [Rieux-Laucat et al 1999, Le Deist 2004]. In initial studies, the highest penetrance (70%-90%) for the clinical phenotype occurred with missense variants affecting the intracellular domains (ICD), followed by variants leading to truncation of the ICDs. For pathogenic variants affecting the extracellular domains (ECD) the highest penetrance was estimated at approximately 30% [Jackson et al 1999].

In the French cohort ECD pathogenic variants had a penetrance of 52% (higher than previous data) and ICD pathogenic variants had a 63% penetrance (lower than previously reported). The penetrance of missense variants affecting the death domain (part of the ICD) was 73% [Jackson et al 1999, Neven et al 2011].

The reduced penetrance for ALPS in some families suggests that one or more additional pathogenic factors interact with defective Fas-mediated apoptosis. However, the high penetrance for the clinical phenotype in certain families associated with specific types of FAS pathogenic variants (e.g., missense variants affecting the death domain) casts doubt on that assumption, suggesting that under certain conditions a single defect in Fas-mediated apoptosis is sufficient to cause ALPS [Infante et al 1998, Jackson et al 1999, Le Deist 2004].

An observation that may shed more light on the issue of penetrance, particularly as it relates to pathogenic variants affecting intracellular vs extracellular domains (as well as on pathogenesis and natural history of ALPS): in a small subset of affected individuals, clinical disease appeared to develop as a consequence of both an inherited heterozygous (germline) FAS pathogenic variant and a somatic genetic event in the second FAS allele [Magerus-Chatinet et al 2011]. Analysis of α/β-DNT cells revealed that the second genetic event involved either a somatic missense or nonsense variant in the second FAS allele or loss of heterozygosity by telomeric uniparental disomy of chromosome 10. These observations were recently confirmed in a family with ALPS in which affected individuals had a heterozygous germline FAS start codon variant with somatic loss of heterozygosity [Hauck et al 2013].

Disease penetrance differs between males and females. In the French cohort, the likelihood of a male with a heterozygous germline FAS pathogenic variant developing ALPS was about 75%, compared to 51% for females. In the NIH cohort the likelihood of developing ALPS for males and females was 69% and 46%, respectively. The ratio of affected males to affected females was 2.2 (French cohort) and 1.6 (NIH cohort). Lastly, in the French cohort, the ratio of affected males to affected females increased from 2.2. to 2.9 if autoimmune disease was present and to 4.2 if autoimmune disease included autoimmune cytopenias [Neven et al 2011, Price et al 2014].

Anticipation

Anticipation has not been documented in ALPS.

Nomenclature

Table 2.

Revised Classification of ALPS

Previously Used TermCurrent Term
ALPS0ALPS-FAS (caused by biallelic germline FAS pathogenic variants)
ALPSIaALPS-FAS (caused by heterozygous germline FAS pathogenic variants)
ALPSImALPS-sFAS (caused by somatic FAS pathogenic variants)
ALPSIbALPS-FASLG
ALPSIIaALPS-CASP10
ALPSIIIALPS-U (no pathogenic variant in FAS, FASLG, or CASP10 identified)

ALPS has also been referred to as Canale-Smith syndrome.

Prevalence

Nearly 500 patients with ALPS in more than 300 families have been reported worldwide with no racial or ethnic predilection. However, the true prevalence of ALPS is still unknown as many individuals are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed [Shah et al 2014].

Differential Diagnosis

ALPS-like disorders. Pathogenic variants in genes inside (other than FAS, FASLG, and CASP10) and outside Fas/FasL pathway have been reported in association with clinical findings similar to ALPS. However, they either do not fulfill the current diagnostic criteria of ALPS [Oliveira et al 2010] or have other distinct phenotypes, and therefore are listed as ALPS-like disorders. These include:

  • Dianzani autoimmune lymphoproliferative disease (DALD) (OMIM 605233). Individuals with DALD present with autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, splenomegaly, and defective Fas function without expansion of DNT cells. A genetic basis for this disorder is suspected, but no associated genes have been identified to date [Oliveira et al 2010, Boggio et al 2014].
  • Ras-associated autoimmune leukoproliferative disorder (RALD) (OMIM 614470). RALD results from somatic gain-of-function variants in NRAS and KRAS, which are present only in blood cells. Similar to ALPS, RALD is a primary immunodeficiency disorder of defective apoptosis. Abnormal apoptosis in RALD results from a defect in a secondary apoptosis pathway, rather than the FAS-mediated apoptosis pathway in ALPS. RALD is characterized by mild peripheral lymphadenopathy, (hepato)splenomegaly, and autoimmunity. Recurrent respiratory tract infections are reported in some affected individuals. Because of the rarity of this condition, the risk for lymphoma is not known [Chun et al 2002, Oliveira et al 2007, Niemela et al 2011, Takagi et al 2011, Lanzarotti et al 2014].
  • Caspase-8 deficiency state (CEDS) (OMIM 607271). CEDS is a rare, autosomal recessive immunodeficiency syndrome resulting in lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, marginal elevation of double-negative T cells, and defective FAS-mediated apoptosis, in addition to frequent bacterial and viral infections secondary to defective activation of T and B lymphocytes and NK cells. Autoimmunity has not been reported to date in individuals with CEDS. The risk of lymphoma in people with CASP8 pathogenic variants is not known, nor has the full spectrum of the disease been elucidated given the rarity of individuals with known pathogenic variants [Chun et al 2002, Oliveira 2013].
  • Fas-associated via death domain (FADD) deficiency (OMIM 613759). FADD deficiency is a rare, autosomal recessive primary immunodeficiency syndrome characterized by severe bacterial and viral infections, congenital heart defects, and recurrent episodes of fever, liver dysfunction, and seizures. Biochemical markers are consistent with ALPS, but the affected individuals described to date do not have the characteristic clinical features of ALPS, including lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly [Bolze et al 2010, Oliveira 2013, Savic et al 2015]. FADD deficiency is caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in FADD.
  • Common variable immunodeficiency 9 (PRKCD deficiency) (OMIM 615559). PRKCD deficiency is a rare, autosomal recessive primary immunodeficiency characterized by recurrent infections, lymphadenopathy, (hepato)splenomegaly, autoimmunity, and NK cell dysfunction. The full spectrum of the disease has not been elucidated given the small number of individuals with known pathogenic variants in PRKCD [Kuehn et al 2013, Salzer et al 2013].
  • CTLA4 haploinsufficiency with autoimmune infiltration (CHAI) (OMIM 616100). CHAI is an autosomal dominant immune dysregulation syndrome with incomplete penetrance that is characterized by recurrent infections, autoimmune thrombocytopenias, CD4+ T-cell lymphopenia, B cell abnormalities, hypogammaglobulinemia, and abnormal lymphocytic infiltration of nonlymphoid organs such as brain, lungs and gastrointestinal tract. Additional features include diffuse lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and EBV-associated Hodgkin lymphoma [Kuehn et al 2014, Schubert et al 2014]. CHAI is caused by heterozygous pathogenic loss-of-function variants in CTLA4.

Within the differential diagnosis for ALPS are other immunodeficiency disorders characterized or complicated by lymphoproliferation, autoimmune disease, and lymphoma. These include the following:

  • Common variable immune deficiency (CVID) has an estimated incidence of one in 50,000 and occurs equally in males and females. CVID is characterized by humoral immune deficiency with onset after age 24 months and usually in young adulthood, resulting in increased susceptibility to infections and diminished responses to protein and polysaccharide vaccines. Although multiple genes have been associated with CVID (see OMIM PS607594), the genetic etiology of CVID in most affected individuals is currently unknown. From a clinical and immunologic standpoint, CVID can be roughly classified into two groups, depending on the presence or absence of mature B-cells in peripheral blood. Individuals with CVID with B-cells (but absent or decreased memory B-cells) are at an increased risk for autoimmune disease that often targets blood cells and for chronic lymphoproliferation including lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and lymphoma [Warnatz et al 2002, Piqueras et al 2003]. CVID with present B cells should be regarded in the differential diagnosis of ALPS, while the variant characterized by low or absent B cells and generally low serum concentrations of immunoglobulins should not.
    The overlap between ALPS and CVID is also illustrated by the report of two individuals with CVID who were found to have heterozygous pathogenic variants in CASP8 [Chun et al 2002, Rensing-Ehl et al 2010] and multiple individuals from unrelated families with CVID and enteropathy or autoimmunity who were found to have heterozygous pathogenic variants in CTLA4 [Schubert et al 2014]. Biomarkers have also confirmed the overlap between ALPS and CVID [Roberts et al 2013].
  • Hyper IgM (HIGM) syndrome. Several non-X-linked forms of hyper IgM syndrome have now been identified. In varying degrees, they share features with the X-linked form (see X-Linked Hyper IgM Syndrome), caused by pathogenic variants in CD40LG. Shared features include recurrent bacterial infections such as otitis media, sinusitis, and pneumonias. Autoimmune hematologic disorders including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and hemolytic anemia are also found. Other complications may include lymphomas and other malignancies as well as gastrointestinal complications. Serum concentration of IgM is elevated while other immunoglobulin levels are normal; specific antibody responses are defective. In contrast to HIGM1, T-cell function in ALPS is typically within normal limits, reflected in an absence of opportunistic infections.
    HIGM2 (OMIM 605258) is caused by pathogenic variants in AICDA, encoding single-stranded DNA cytosine deaminase. Inheritance is usually autosomal recessive, but in rare cases autosomal dominant [Revy et al 2000, Lee et al 2005]. Recurrent bacterial, respiratory, and gastrointestinal infections are typical; opportunistic infections are rare. Lymphoid hyperplasia, seen in ALPS, has been reported in HIGM2 [Revy et al 2000, Lee et al 2005]. AICDA pathogenic variants typically affect only B-cell differentiation.
    HIGM3, HIGM4, and HIGM5 are other forms of non-X-linked hyper IgM syndrome (OMIM PS308230). Their inclusion in the differential diagnosis of ALPS is less clear on the basis of known clinical presentation and inheritance pattern [Ferrari et al 2001, Imai et al 2003].
  • X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP) caused by hemizygous pathogenic variants in SH2D1A is associated with an inappropriate immune response to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection resulting in unusually severe and often fatal infectious mononucleosis, dysgammaglobulinemia, and/or lymphoproliferative disorders (typically of B-cell origin). Clinical manifestations of XLP vary, even among affected family members. The most common presentation is a near-fatal or fatal EBV infection associated with an unregulated and exaggerated immune response with widespread proliferation of cytotoxic T cells, EBV-infected B cells, and macrophages. Mortality is greater than 90%. In approximately one third of males with XLP, hypogammaglobulinemia of one or more immunoglobulin subclasses is diagnosed prior to EBV infection or in rare survivors of EBV infection. The prognosis for males with this phenotype is more favorable if they are managed with regular intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) administration. Lymphomas or other lymphoproliferative diseases occur in approximately one third of males with XLP, some of whom have hypogammaglobulinemia or have survived an initial EBV infection. The lymphomas seen in individuals with XLP are typically high-grade B-cell lymphomas (non-Hodgkin type), are often extranodal, and particularly involve the intestine. Demonstration of defective T-cell receptor restimulation apoptosis in persons with XLP suggests that altered lymphocyte homeostasis affects disease pathogenesis as well [Snow et al 2008]. Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is the only curative therapy for XLP. Average life expectancy without curative BMT has been estimated at less than ten years. Note: XLP caused by pathogenic variants in XIAP has not been associated with lymphoproliferation or lymphoma to date. See Lymphoproliferative Disease, X-Linked.
  • WAS-related disorders, which include Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, X-linked thrombocytopenia (XLT), and X-linked congenital neutropenia (XLN), are a spectrum of disorders of hematopoietic cells, with predominant defects of platelets and lymphocytes caused by mutation of WAS. WAS-related disorders usually present in infancy. Affected males have thrombocytopenia with intermittent mucosal bleeding, bloody diarrhea, and intermittent or chronic petechiae and purpura; eczema; and recurrent bacterial and viral infections, particularly recurrent ear infections. At least 40% of those who survive the early complications develop one or more autoimmune conditions including hemolytic anemia, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, immune-mediated neutropenia, arthritis, vasculitis of small and large vessels, and immune-mediated damage to the kidneys and liver. Individuals with a WAS-related disorder, particularly those who have been exposed to EBV, are at increased risk of developing lymphomas, which often occur in unusual, extranodal locations such as the brain, lung, or gastrointestinal tract. Males with XLT have thrombocytopenia with small platelets; other complications of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, including eczema and immune dysfunction, are mild or absent. See WAS-Related Disorders.
  • STAT3 gain-of-function variants causing autoimmune disease can result in clinical features such as lymphadenopathy, elevated α/β-DNT cells, and autoimmune cytopenia, resembling ALPS. Other findings include recurrent infections, short stature, and multiorgan autoimmunity. In contrast, loss-of-function variants in STAT3 are associated with immunodeficiency and hyper-IgE recurrent infection syndrome [Milner et al 2015].
  • Lymphoma without other manifestations of ALPS has been observed in families with ALPS-FAS. Thus, both B-cell and T-cell lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ALPS [van der Werff ten Bosch et al 1999, Poppema et al 2004].

Management

Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis

To determine the presence and extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS), the following evaluations are recommended:

  • Complete blood counts and flow cytometric immunophenotyping of lymphocytes, especially with regard to α/β-DNT cells, in combination with physical examination and imaging studies to assess lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly
  • If significant lymphadenopathy is present, more extensive diagnostic procedures to detect lymphoma, especially if constitutional symptoms (e.g., fever, night sweats, weight loss) are present
  • Measurement of autoantibodies to assess for autoimmunity
  • Consultation with a clinical geneticist and/or genetic counselor

Treatment of Manifestations

In the absence of curative treatment, current management is focused on the following:

Monitoring for and treatment of lymphoproliferation and hypersplenism

  • Manifestations of lymphoproliferation require close clinical observation, as well as serial CT and PET scans every two to three years.
  • Biopsy is indicated whenever there is a clinical suspicion of lymphoma.
  • Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs do not decrease lymphadenopathy long term in individuals with ALPS, and are generally reserved for severe complications of lymphoproliferation (e.g., airway obstruction, significant hypersplenism associated with splenomegaly) and/or autoimmune manifestations.
  • Experience with sirolimus suggests that it is the preferred agent in treating lymphoproliferation in a more sustained manner, including for maintenance of remission after initial treatment followed by a period of discontinued use [Teachey et al 2009, Bride et al 2016]. However, sirolimus is not without side effects.
  • In severe cases, more potent (lympho-depleting) agents may be required to sufficiently control lymphoproliferative manifestations. Agents include cyclophosphamide, antithymocyte globulin (ATG), and select monoclonal antibodies such as alemtuzumab (Campath®).

Treatment of lymphoma is according to conventional protocols. The presence of defective Fas-mediated apoptosis does not appear to hinder the response to chemotherapeutic agents or radiation.

Treatment of cytopenias and other autoimmune diseases

  • Autoimmune cytopenias are typically treated by immune suppression with corticosteroids as well as corticosteroid-sparing agents, if prolonged treatment of autoimmune cytopenias is required and/or in cases of refractory cytopenias.
    • Recent data from a multi-institutional study suggest that sirolimus should be considered as a first-line – corticosteroid-sparing – agent [Bride et al 2016]. Sirolimus requires monitoring for drug levels and toxic side effects.
    • Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) can be used in cases when a less immunosuppressive drug (e.g., compared with sirolimus) seems sufficient, as steroids are tapered. In addition, if drug level and toxic side effects cannot be adequately monitored, MMF could be used as a first-line agent.
  • Individuals with severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia may benefit from IVIG in combination with corticosteroids.
  • Rituximab has been used successfully in the treatment of refractory cytopenias in ALPS. However, because of its immune toxicity, its use is generally avoided until other immunosuppression therapies have failed [Rao et al 2009, Rao & Oliveira 2011].
  • Splenectomy is reserved as an option of last resort in the treatment of life-threatening refractory cytopenias and/or severe hypersplenia because of the high risk of recurrence of cytopenias and sepsis post-splenectomy in those with ALPS [Rao & Oliveira 2011, Price et al 2014]. Given the known risks associated with splenectomy, patients requiring this last-resort approach should be considered for curative bone marrow transplantation.
  • Individuals with isolated chronic neutropenia may improve on low-dose G-CSF [Rao & Oliveira 2011]. In addition, use of a thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonist should be considered for isolated immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

Prevention of Primary Manifestations

Bone marrow (hematopoietic stem cell) transplantation (BMT/HSCT) is currently the only curative treatment for ALPS. Because of the risks associated with BMT, it has so far been performed mostly in individuals with ALPS with severe clinical phenotypes, such as those with homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in FAS, those with severe and/or refractory autoimmune cytopenias, those with lymphoma, and those who have developed complications from (often long-term) immunosuppressive therapy. It is likely, however, that individuals with undiagnosed forms of ALPS, including ALPS-FAS, have been transplanted.

Successful (reported) BMT in several individuals indicates that defective Fas-mediated apoptosis does not pose a barrier to this treatment option [Benkerrou et al 1997, Sleight et al 1998, Dowdell et al 2010].

Prevention of Secondary Complications

Vaccinations pre-splenectomy (with consideration of post-splenectomy boost vaccinations) and penicillin prophylaxis are strongly recommended for individuals who undergo splenectomy.

Surveillance

Clinical assessment, imaging, and laboratory studies outlined in Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis can be used in surveillance for manifestations of lymphoproliferation and autoimmunity.

Specialized imaging studies such as combined PET and CT scanning in combination with clinical and laboratory surveillance may be helpful in detection of malignant transformation, keeping in mind that PET/CT scanning is often abnormal in ALPS, such that distinguishing between "typical" ALPS findings and a new malignancy (lymphoma) can be difficult [Rao & Oliveira 2011]. Because of this, careful consideration of imaging modalities that expose the patient to radiation is warranted.

Agents/Circumstances to Avoid

Splenectomy to control autoimmune cytopenias and/or massive splenomagaly is discouraged because it typically does not lead to permanent remission of autoimmunity and may be associated with an increased risk for infections. The two recent cohort studies reveal clear-cut consequences of splenectomy. In the French cohort, nine (30%) of 30 affected individuals who underwent splenectomy suffered 17 cases of severe invasive bacterial infection with four deaths after splenectomy; in the NIH cohort, 27 (41%) of 66 affected individuals suffered one or more episodes of sepsis with seven deaths. Of note: Antimicrobial prophylaxis and appropriate vaccinations did not prevent the majority of episodes of sepsis, although poor compliance was found to be a risk factor in the French cohort [Neven et al 2011, Price et al 2014].

The use of over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be discussed with a physician as some of these medications can interfere with platelet function.

Evaluation of Relatives at Risk

It is appropriate to perform molecular genetic testing on relatives at risk for ALPS-FAS, ALPS-FASLG, or ALPS-CASP10 if the pathogenic variant has been identified in the proband.

Relatives who have the family-specific pathogenic variant should:

  • Be advised of their increased risk for ALPS if the type and location of the ALPS-related pathogenic variant is predicted to have a high penetrance for clinical ALPS;
  • Undergo ALPS-specific evaluations at initial diagnosis (e.g., enumeration of α/β-DNT cells, detection of autoantibodies, IL-10/soluble FasL measurement) (see Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis);
  • Be advised that ALPS-specific evaluations or other assessments may need to be repeated at regular intervals, particularly if the family member is young and/or if new health-related issues consistent with ALPS or ALPS-related complications (e.g., lymphoma) become apparent (see Surveillance).

See Genetic Counseling for issues related to testing of at-risk relatives for genetic counseling purposes.

Pregnancy Management

In addition to the risks and benefits to a woman with ALPS associated with treatment with corticosteroids, mycophenylate mofitil, or sirolimus during pregnancy, the potential teratogenic risks of these exposures to the fetus must also be weighed.

See MotherToBaby for further information on medication use during pregnancy.

Therapies Under Investigation

Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions.

Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling is the process of providing individuals and families with information on the nature, mode(s) of inheritance, and implications of genetic disorders to help them make informed medical and personal decisions. The following section deals with genetic risk assessment and the use of family history and genetic testing to clarify genetic status for family members; it is not meant to address all personal, cultural, or ethical issues that may arise or to substitute for consultation with a genetics professional. —ED.

Mode of Inheritance

Inheritance of ALPS-CASP10, most cases of ALPS-FAS, and some cases of ALPS-FASLG is autosomal dominant. Inheritance of most cases of ALPS-FASLG and severe ALPS associated with biallelic FAS pathogenic variants is autosomal recessive.

ALPS-FAS can also be the result of somatic mosaicism. Somatic pathogenic variants have not been reported in ALPS-FASLG or ALPS-CASP10 to date.

Autosomal Dominant ALPS – Risk to Family Members

Parents of a proband

  • Most individuals diagnosed with ALPS-FAS have a parent who has a FAS pathogenic variant. Individuals who are heterozygous for a FAS pathogenic variant all have defective Fas-mediated apoptosis but may have no clinical findings of ALPS (see Penetrance).
  • An insufficient number of cases of ALPS-FASLG and ALPS-CASP10 are available to determine the likelihood that the FASLG or CASP10 pathogenic variant was inherited from a parent.
  • A proband with ALPS-FAS, ALPS-FASLG, or ALPS-CASP10 may have the disorder as the result of a de novo germline pathogenic variant. The proportion of cases caused by a de novo FAS germline pathogenic variant is small (the proportion of cases caused by a de novo FASLG or CASP10 is unknown).
  • Recommendations for the evaluation of parents of a proband with a possible de novo pathogenic variant (i.e., neither parent is known to be affected with ALPS) include molecular genetic testing for the pathogenic variant identified in the proband.
  • If the pathogenic variant found in the proband cannot be detected in the leukocyte DNA of either parent, possible explanations include a de novo somatic or germline pathogenic variant in the proband or germline mosaicism in a parent.
  • Although most individuals diagnosed with ALPS have a parent with a FAS pathogenic variant, the family history may appear to be negative because of reduced penetrance of the clinical symptoms of ALPS (as opposed to the nearly complete penetrance of the cellular phenotype in individuals with a FAS pathogenic variant), failure to recognize the disorder in family members, early death of the parent before the onset of symptoms, or late onset of the disease in the affected parent. Therefore, molecular genetic testing is the most accurate means of determining the genetic status of at-risk individuals.

Sibs of a proband. The risk to the sibs of the proband depends on the genetic status of the proband's parents.

  • If a parent of the proband has a FAS, FASLG, or CASP10 pathogenic variant, each sib has a 50% chance of inheriting the variant. The risk of developing ALPS-related complications, however, depends on the nature of the variant, as well as the presence of other as-yet incompletely understood genetic or environmental factors.
  • If the FAS, FASLG, or CASP10 pathogenic variant found in the proband cannot be detected in the leukocyte DNA of either parent, the empiric recurrence risk to sibs is approximately 1% because of the theoretic possibility of parental germline mosaicism.

Offspring of a proband

  • Each child of an individual with ALPS-FAS, ALPS-FASLG, or ALPS-CASP10 has a 50% chance of inheriting the FAS, FASLG, or CASP10 pathogenic variant.
  • The risk to a child who has inherited the pathogenic variant of developing ALPS-related complications depends on the nature of the pathogenic variant as well as the presence of other as-yet incompletely understood genetic or environmental factors (see Penetrance).

Other family members. The risk to other family members depends on the genetic status of the proband's parents: if a parent has a FAS, FASLG, or CASP10 pathogenic variant, his or her family members may have inherited the same variant and are potentially at some increased risk of developing ALPS-related complications.

Autosomal Recessive ALPS – Risk to Family Members

Parents of a proband

  • The parents of a child with ALPS-FAS or ALPS-FASLG resulting from biallelic pathogenic variants are likely to be heterozygotes, in which case each parent would have one FAS or FASLG pathogenic variant.
  • Heterozygotes may present with ALPS-related findings or may be clinically asymptomatic.

Sibs of a proband

  • At conception, each sib of a child with ALPS-FAS or ALPS-FASLG resulting from biallelic pathogenic variants has:
    • An overall 75% chance of having one or two FAS/FASLG pathogenic variants;
    • A 25% chance of inheriting two FAS/FASLG pathogenic variants, which would most likely result in a severe ALPS phenotype;
    • A 50% chance of inheriting a single FAS/FASLG pathogenic variant, which could result in clinical manifestations of ALPS;
    • A 25% chance of inheriting one normal FAS/FASLG allele from each parent and having no clinical manifestations of ALPS.
  • Heterozygotes may present with ALPS-related symptoms or may be clinically asymptomatic.

Offspring of a proband. Individuals with ALPS resulting from biallelic pathogenic variants are more likely to die at an early age and thus are not as likely to reproduce.

Other family members. If a parent of the proband has an ALPS-related pathogenic variant, his/her sibs are at a 50% risk of having the variant.

Related Genetic Counseling Issues

See Management, Evaluation of Relatives at Risk for information on evaluating at-risk relatives for the purpose of early diagnosis and treatment.

Testing of at-risk asymptomatic family members for FAS, FASLG, or CASP10 pathogenic variants is possible once the variant(s) are identified in the proband. Although the factors that determine the penetrance of clinical ALPS are not entirely understood, penetrance appears to be determined by the location and type of variant. Results of testing of at-risk asymptomatic family members can reduce morbidity and mortality through early diagnosis and treatment and may be helpful in predicting phenotype.

Molecular genetic testing of asymptomatic individuals should in general be undertaken following thorough genetic counseling and assessment of family-specific risks.

Considerations in families with an apparent de novo pathogenic variant. When neither parent of a proband with an autosomal dominant condition has the pathogenic variant identified in the proband or clinical evidence of the disorder, the pathogenic variant is likely de novo. However, non-medical explanations including alternate paternity or maternity (e.g., with assisted reproduction) and undisclosed adoption could also be explored.

Family planning

  • The optimal time for determination of genetic risk and discussion of the availability of prenatal/preimplantation genetic testing is before pregnancy.
  • It is appropriate to offer genetic counseling (including discussion of potential risks to offspring and reproductive options) to young adults who are affected or at risk.
  • Prior to pregnancy, affected women should be advised about the teratogenic risks associated with medications used to treat ALPS.

DNA banking. Because it is likely that testing methodology and our understanding of genes, pathogenic mechanisms, and diseases will improve in the future, consideration should be given to banking DNA from probands in whom a molecular diagnosis has not been confirmed (i.e., the causative pathogenic mechanism is unknown).

Prenatal Testing and Preimplantation Genetic Testing

Once the FAS, FASLG, or CASP10 pathogenic variant(s) have been identified in an affected family member, prenatal testing for a pregnancy at increased risk and preimplantation genetic testing for ALPS are possible.

Resources

GeneReviews staff has selected the following disease-specific and/or umbrella support organizations and/or registries for the benefit of individuals with this disorder and their families. GeneReviews is not responsible for the information provided by other organizations. For information on selection criteria, click here.

  • National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
    NIAID Office of Communications and Government Relations
    6610 Rockledge Drive
    MSC 6612
    Bethesda MD 20892-6612
    Phone: 866-284-4107 (toll-free); 301-496-5717; 800-877-8339 (toll-free TDD)
    Fax: 301-402-3573
    Email: ocpostoffice@niaid.nih.gov
  • American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc. (AARDA)
    22100 Gratiot Avenue
    East Detroit MI 48021
    Phone: 800-598-4668 (toll-free); 586-776-3900
    Fax: 586-776-3903
    Email: aarda@aarda.org
  • ImmUnity Canada
    Canada
    Phone: 250-381-7134; 877 -607­-2476
    Email: info@immunitycanada.org
  • Jeffrey Modell Foundation/National Primary Immunodeficiency Resource Center
    Email: info@jmfworld.org
  • European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID) Registry
    Email: esid-registry@uniklinik-freiburg.de
  • United States Immunodeficiency Network (USIDNET) Registry
    Email: contact@usidnet.org

Molecular Genetics

Information in the Molecular Genetics and OMIM tables may differ from that elsewhere in the GeneReview: tables may contain more recent information. —ED.

Table B.

OMIM Entries for Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (View All in OMIM)

134637FAS CELL SURFACE DEATH RECEPTOR; FAS
134638FAS LIGAND; FASLG
601762CASPASE 10, APOPTOSIS-RELATED CYSTEINE PROTEASE; CASP10
601859AUTOIMMUNE LYMPHOPROLIFERATIVE SYNDROME; ALPS
603909AUTOIMMUNE LYMPHOPROLIFERATIVE SYNDROME, TYPE IIA; ALPS2A

Molecular Pathogenesis

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) can be considered a prototypic disorder of defective lymphocyte homeostasis [Sneller et al 1992, Fisher et al 1995, Rieux-Laucat et al 1995]. Although it appears that the full clinical spectrum of ALPS may depend on the interplay of several pathogenic factors, defective activation-induced cell death (also known as apoptosis or cellular suicide) through the Fas/FasL pathway is central in the etiology of ALPS [Lenardo et al 1999]. (Note: Bleesing [2002], Figure 1 diagrams this process; login or purchase required.)

CASP10

Gene structure. CASP10 comprises 11 exons and spans approximately 48 kb [Hadano et al 2001]. For a detailed summary of gene and protein information, see Table A, Gene. There are two isoforms of CASP10 transcripts. The CASP10L isoform encodes an additional 43 amino acids at the end of the prodomain, but its C terminus is the same as the short CASP10 isoform. The two isoforms are expressed equally.

Pathogenic variants. To date, four CASP10 pathogenic variants have been reported in individuals with ALPS [Wang et al 1999, Zhu et al 2006, Cerutti et al 2007] (see Table 3). Two missense variants, p.Leu285Phe and p.Ile406Leu, were identified in one and two kindreds, respectively, with ALPS-CASP10 characterized by abnormal lymphocyte and dendritic cell homeostasis and immune regulatory defects [Wang et al 1999, Zhu et al 2006].

Cerutti et al [2007] described two patients who demonstrated coinheritance of both a FAS and a CASP10 pathogenic variant. FAS expression and CASP10 activity were decreased in both patients. Additionally, a common variant of CASP10 (p.Thr446Cys) originally thought to be benign [Wang et al 1999] has been associated with ALPS [Zhu et al 2006].

Table 3.

Selected CASP10 Pathogenic Variants

Variant ClassificationDNA Nucleotide Change
(Alias 1)		Predicted Protein Change
(Alias 1)		Reference
Sequences
Benign c.1228G>Ap.Val410Ile NM_032977​.3
NP_116759​.2
Pathogenic c.853C>T
(724C>T)		p.Leu285Phe
(Leu242Phe)
c.1216A>T
(1087A>T)		p.Ile406Leu
(Ile363Leu)
c.1337A>G 2
(1208A>G)		p.Tyr446Cys

Variants listed in the table have been provided by the authors. GeneReviews staff have not independently verified the classification of variants.

GeneReviews follows the standard naming conventions of the Human Genome Variation Society (varnomen​.hgvs.org). See Quick Reference for an explanation of nomenclature.

1.

Variant designation that does not conform to current naming conventions

2.

Normal gene product. The physiologic function of caspase-10 is poorly understood. Gene transfection assays verified its function as a death-inducing caspase [Chaudhary et al 1997, Pan et al 1997, Schneider et al 1997, Vincenz & Dixit 1997]. Moreover, Wang et al [2001] showed that caspase-10 can function independently of caspase-8 in initiating Fas and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis.

Abnormal gene product. Pathogenic variants result in decreased caspase activity and dominantly interfere with death receptor-induced apoptosis, particularly with that stimulated by FasL and TRAIL.

FAS

Gene structure. FAS comprises nine exons. Exons 1 and 2 encode a signal sequence that, upon trafficking of the Fas protein to the cell surface, is cleaved off. Exons 3, 4, and 5 encode three extracellular cysteine-rich domains (CRD). Exon 6 encodes the transmembrane domain. The intracellular domains of Fas are encoded by exons 7-9, with exon 9 representing the death domain that interacts with the intracellular, apoptosis-inducing signal transduction pathway [Jackson et al 1999]. Genomic DNA of FAS spans approximately 25 kb. For a detailed summary of gene and protein information, see Table A, Gene.

Pathogenic variants. To date, more than 130 pathogenic variants have been reported, including missense and nonsense variants, splicing defects, small deletions/insertions, gross deletions, and complex deletion/duplications. Many of these pathogenic variants are loss-of-function alleles.

The discovery of individuals with ALPS with somatic pathogenic variants in FAS may offer new insights as the presence of pathogenic variants in some, but not all, lymphocyte subsets could allow dissection of the molecular mechanisms of ALPS in a manner that cannot be achieved in individuals with germline variants in FAS.

Normal gene product. FAS encodes a 16-amino acid signal sequence, followed by a mature protein of 319 amino acids with a single transmembrane domain and a molecular mass of approximately 36 kd.

The protein encoded by FAS is a member of the TNF-receptor superfamily and contains a death domain; it has been shown to play a central role in the physiologic regulation of programmed cell death. The interaction of Fas with its ligand allows the formation of a death-inducing signaling complex that includes Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD), caspase-8, and caspase-10. The autoproteolytic processing of the inductor caspases in the complex triggers a downstream effector caspase cascade, leading to apoptosis. Fas has also been shown to activate NF-kappaβ, MAPK3/ERK1, and MAPK8/JNK, leading to the transduction of proliferating signals in normal diploid fibroblast and T cells.

Abnormal gene product. Dominant-negative interference by abnormal Fas chains has been demonstrated for heterozygous pathogenic variants in the death domain, which lead to defective Fas-mediated apoptosis in many cases of ALPS-FAS [Jackson et al 1999, Martin et al 1999]. Fas and FasL form homotrimers; therefore, normal Fas trimers (consisting of 3 normal proteins) occur in only one out of eight trimers, assuming equal amounts of mutated and wild type Fas protein [Fisher et al 1995, Jackson et al 1999].

Extracellular heterozygous pathogenic variants affecting the FasL-binding domain (CRD2 and CRD3) are also associated with dominant-negative interference because Fas proteins self-associate into trimers prior to FasL interaction [Siegel et al 2000]. For other extracellular heterozygous pathogenic variants, including variants that affect the domain of the protein that regulates self-association into trimers, defective apoptosis can be explained by interference of truncated and/or soluble fragments of mutated Fas, or by haploinsufficiency, in which the total amount of Fas generated is below a threshold needed for physiologic induction of apoptosis [Roesler et al 2005, Kuehn et al 2011].

In individuals with homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic variants, defective Fas-mediated apoptosis can be explained by loss of function [van der Burg et al 2000]. In contrast to those with heterozygous pathogenic variants, these individuals display absent or reduced surface expression of Fas on lymphocytes.

FASLG

Gene structure. FASLG (FASL) spans approximately 8 kb and comprises four exons. For a detailed summary of gene and protein information, see Table A, Gene.

Pathogenic variants. See Table 4. To date, fewer than ten pathogenic alleles have been reported in FASLG in association with an ALPS phenotype.

Table 4.

Selected FASLG Pathogenic Variants

DNA
Nucleotide
Change		Predicted Protein ChangeExonProteinFas-Induced ApoptosisAICDDouble-Negative T cellsMOIReference Sequences
c.203dupT 1p.Ala69fsTer1381AbsentNormalND↑AR NM_000639​.1
NP_000630​.1
c.263delT 2p.Phe87fsTer951AbsentNormal↓↑AR
c.466A>G 3p.Arg156Gly4NormalAbnormalNDNormalAD
c.472_555del 4p.Met158_Glu185del4NDND↓NormalAD
c.605G>C 5p.Cys202Ser4NormalNormal↓↑AR
c.740C>A 6p.Ala247Glu4NormalNormal↓↑AR
c.829G>A 7p.Gly277Ser4NormalNormal↓↑AR

Variants listed in the table have been provided by the authors. GeneReviews staff have not independently verified the classification of variants.

GeneReviews follows the standard naming conventions of the Human Genome Variation Society (varnomen​.hgvs.org).

Note: All variants are associated with ALPS except p.Met158_Glu185del, which was observed in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and lymphadenopathy.

AD = autosomal dominant; AICD = activation-induced cell death; AR = autosomal recessive; MOI = mode of inheritance; ND = not determined; ↑ = increased; ↓ = diminished

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

This patient developed peripheral T-cell lymphoma [Del-Rey et al 2006].

7.

Observed in two affected sibs [Sobh et al 2016]

Normal gene product. The FASLG cDNA encodes a protein of 281 amino acids. Fas ligand (FasL) is a type II transmembrane protein that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor family. It is expressed in activated splenocytes and thymocytes, consistent with its involvement in T cell-mediated cytotoxicity and in several non-lymphoid tissues (e.g., testis, liver, lung, ovary, heart), where its function is unclear.

Abnormal gene product. The individual with the homozygous pathogenic missense variant (p.Ala247Glu) showed decreased Fas-mediated cell death and Fas-dependent cytotoxicity [Del-Rey et al 2006]. The heterozygous p.Arg156Gly pathogenic variant affects the extracellular Fas-binding region of FASL. The variant produces a dominant interfering FasL protein that binds to wild type FasL, preventing Fas-mediated apoptosis [Bi et al 2007].

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Chapter Notes

Author History

Jack JH Bleesing, MD, PhD (2006-present)
Judith Johnson, MS, CGC; Cincinnati Children's Hospital (2006-2017)
Chinmayee Nagaraj, MS, CGC (2017-present)
Kejian Zhang, MD, MBA (2006-present)

Revision History

  • 24 August 2017 (ha) Comprehensive update posted live
  • 11 September 2014 (me) Comprehensive update posted live
  • 8 September 2011 (me) Comprehensive update posted live
  • 7 April 2009 (me) Comprehensive update posted live
  • 9 July 2007 (cd) Revision: sequence analysis and prenatal diagnosis available clinically for CASP10
  • 14 September 2006 (me) Review posted live
  • 2 December 2005 (jj) Original submission

Figures

Figure 1.

Figure 1.

One proposed algorithm for the diagnostic evaluation of an individual suspected of having ALPS

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