'Bubble Boy Disease' found in Swine, Research Focuses on Applicable Cure for Humans [edited]

May 8, 2012 — 

Researchers at Iowa State have discovered the “bubble boy syndrome,” otherwise known as SCID, in swine.

According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, SCID, or severe combined immunodeficiency, is usually characterized by a lack of the adaptive immune system, a crucial part of the immune system.

SCID is a genetic defect found in humans, mice, dogs and horses, but this is the first time SCID has been found in swine.

While testing how the current line held up to a normal disease challenge using facilities at Kansas State University, four piglets died early on in the process, causing some concern. When an autopsy was performed on these piglets, it was revealed they each had a very poorly developed immune system.

Because the disease could only be passed down if both parents carried the gene, the search began for the recessive gene responsible for the lack of the piglets’ immune systems.

More research has developed as the disease was found in more piglets. The researchers decided to treat the SCID piglets just as they would a human with the disease by giving the piglets a bone marrow transplant. Three SCID piglets from two litters born in January received the procedure. The procedure appears to have been successful.

This success gives the team hope for the future uses of this discovery, such as using these swine as a biomedical model for humans.

Source: Iowa State Daily, May 1, 2012

By Maia Zewert