title: Lymphocyte dysfunction caused by deficiencies in purine metabolism.
abstract: Two inborn errors of purine metabolism have been associated with autosomally inherited human immunodeficiency diseases. A lack of adenosine deaminase (ADA) produces severe lymphopenia and a combined immunodeficiency syndrome. A deficiency of purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) is associated with a selective cellular immune depth. This article discusses the probable biochemical basis for lymphocyte-specific toxicity in these disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Research, Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, La Jolla, CA 92037, U.S.A.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Carson
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lakow
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Wasson
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kamatani