XIAP deficiency: a unique primary immunodeficiency best classified as X-linked familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and not as X-linked lymphoproliferative disease

X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) deficiency, caused by BIRC4 mutations, is described to cause X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP) phenotypes. However, compared with XLP caused by SLAM-Associated Protein deficiency (SH2D1A mutation), XIAP deficiency was originally observed to be associated with a high incidence of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and a lack of lymphoma, suggesting that classification of XIAP deficiency as a cause of XLP may not be entirely accurate. To further characterize XIAP deficiency, we reviewed our experience with 10 patients from 8 unrelated families with BIRC4 mutations. Nine of 10 patients developed HLH by 8 years of age. Most patients presented in infancy, and recurrent HLH was common. There were no cases of lymphoma. Lymphocyte defects thought to contribute to HLH development in SLAM-Associated Protein deficiency were not observed in XIAP deficiency. We conclude that XIAP deficiency is a unique primary immunodeficiency that is more appropriately classified as X-linked familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.