A novel mutation causing complete TYK2 deficiency, with severe respiratory viral infections, EBV-driven lymphoma, and Jamestown Canyon viral encephalitis

Abstract Autosomal recessive Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) deficiency is characterized by susceptibility to mycobacterial and viral infections. Here, we report a four-year-old female with severe respiratory viral infections, EBV-driven Burkitt-like lymphoma, and infection with the neurotropic Jamestown Canyon virus. A novel, homozygous c.745C > T (p.R249*) variant was found in TYK2. The deleterious effects of the TYK2 lesion were confirmed by immunoblot; by evaluating functional responses to IFN-α/β, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-23; and by assessing its scaffolding effect on cell surface expression of cytokine receptor subunits. The effects of the mutation could not be pharmacologically circumvented in vitro, suggesting that alternative modalities, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or gene therapy, may be needed. We characterize the first patient from Canada with a novel homozygous mutation in TYK2.