Description

H syndrome is a rare inflammatory genetic disorder predisposing to histiocytosis, caused by germline biallelic loss-of-function mutations in SLC29A3, encoding the protein equilibrative nucleoside transporter 3 (ENT3). ENT3 transports nucleosides from lysosomes to the cytoplasm following lysosomal degradation of nucleic acids. Results from our previous study (under review) suggest a model in which impaired nucleoside trafficking aberrantly activates nucleoside-sensing Toll-like receptors, leading to persistent activation of ERK, driving histiocytosis. This constitutes a novel signaling pathway leading to activation of ERK and histiocytosis, in the absence of somatic mutations in MAPK cascade genes. Our knowledge of the heterogenous clinical spectrum of these patients is based on case reports and small patient series. Patients with H syndrome have been treated with a range of immunomodulatory and chemotherapeutic agents, with limited success. Improvement following therapy with tocilizumab, an IL6-receptor antibody, has recently been reported in isolated case reports. There is a lack of data on MEK inhibitor therapy in these patients. We aim to comprehensively assess the clinical manifestations and patterns of treatment response in a multinational cohort of patients with H syndrome.