New Autoinflammatory Disease Discovered with Potential Treatment Target
NIH researchers have identified a new autoinflammatory disease caused by mutations in the LYN gene, which regulates immune responses. The disease, named Lyn kinase-associated vasculopathy and liver fibrosis (LAVLI), was discovered in three pediatric patients who developed diseases linked to the LYN genetic mutation shortly after birth. The study suggests that Lyn kinase may be a potential therapeutic target for drugs that treat forms of non-syndromic small vessel vasculitis and other types of inflammation-induced liver fibrosis.