Inborn error of immunity due to NK cell deficiency and aggressive juvenile periodontitis. Case report
Keywords:
NK cells; inborn errors of immunity; aggressive periodontitisAbstract
Introduction: Inborn errors of immunity due to classical NK cell deficiency are rare entities associated with severe herpesvirus infections and susceptibility to oncoproliferative processes. These cells participate in the immunopathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis through their pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects.
Case presentation: A 16-year-old adolescent with a clinical and radiological diagnosis of juvenile aggressive periodontitis was referred to an immunology clinic. Immunological studies showed normal levels of immunoglobulins and T and B lymphocyte subpopulations, but a complete absence of circulating NK cells (CD3-CD16+/CD56+: 0% in two serial determinations). The patient received immunomodulatory and periodontal treatment, with improvement in recurrent infections, but the disease continues to show clinical signs of progressive activity. Conclusions: This association could contribute to bridging the diagnostic gap of inborn errors of immunity in the comprehensive evaluation of patients with early-onset, atypical, destructive periodontal diseases.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Valia Concepción Ulloa, Ana Iris Gómez Martínez, Ernesto Caraballosa Yero
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september 1, 2026
