Question

In a patient with a lack of β2-integrins on leukocytes, what is the most likely diagnosis, and which immune cell functions are primarily impaired due to this condition?

A. Leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD); phagocytosis and migration into tissues
B. Bruton agammaglobulinemia; antibody production and immune regulation
C. Bare lymphocyte syndrome; T and B cell development
D. Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome; platelet function and T cell activation

Answer 1

A lack of β2-integrins on leukocytes leads to Leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD), impairing phagocytosis and leukocyte migration into tissues, and causing severe recurrent infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a patient with a lack of β2-integrins on leukocytes, the most likely diagnosis is Leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD). This condition primarily impairs immune cell functions such as phagocytosis and their migration into tissues. β2-integrins are critical for the process of leukocytes sticking to and moving through the blood vessel walls to sites of infection. Without these integrins, leukocytes are unable to adhere to the endothelial cells of blood vessels, and this effectively prevents them from migrating to areas of infection or inflammation. As a result, patients with LAD experience severe recurrent bacterial infections and poor wound healing due to the inability of the immune system to respond effectively.