APECED is due to a monogenic mutation of AIRE (autoimmune regulator) which codes for a transcription factor. Its pathophysiological substrate is related to an anomaly of normal immunological tolerogenesis leading to the formation of autoantibodies directed against specific tissue antigens: surface receptors, intracellular enzymes, secreted proteins (hormones). APECED usually occurs in children before the age of 5, or in early adolescence.
Alternative names
APECED
Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome, type I; APS1
Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy
Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome, type I
Polyglandular autoimmune syndrome, type I
PGA I
Hypoadrenocorticism with hypoparathyroidism and superficial moniliasis
Polyglandular deficiency syndrome, persian-jewish type
Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy syndrome, type I, autosomal dominant
Autoimmune regulator
Classification
- Other well-defined immunodeficiency syndromes
- Autoimmune disorders
Inheritance
Autosomal recessive