Human FERMT3 blocking peptide

Disabling mutations in integrin-mediated cell signaling have been a major focus of interest over the last decade for patients affected with leukocyte adhesion deficiency-III (LAD-III). In this study, we identified a new C>T point mutation in exon 13 in the FERMT3 gene in an infant diagnosed with LAD-III and showed that KINDLIN-3 expression is required for platelet aggregation and leukocyte function, but also osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. After allogeneic bone marrow transplant, all overt symptoms disappeared. This newly identified mutation along with its novel role in dysregulation of bone homeostasis extends our understanding of KINDLIN-3 in humans. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1677-1679. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Neutrophilic granulocytes constitute the body's first line of defence against bacterial and fungal pathogens and orchestrate the inflammatory response. The analysis of monogenic defects of neutrophilic granulocytes has yielded important insights into mechanisms of the innate immune system. Severe congenital neutropenia is defined by decreased numbers of absolute neutrophil counts and may be caused by mutations in ELANE/ELA2, HAX1, GFI1, WASP or G6PC3. Qualitative defects of neutrophilic granulocytes affect migration, activation and bacterial killing capacity which are manifested clinically as leukocyte adhesion deficiencies I-III (ITGB2, SLC35C1, FERMT3) and chronic granulomatous disease (CYBB, NCF1, NCF2, CYBA).