화학공학소재연구정보센터
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Vol.272, No.2, 311-315, 2000
The importance of adenosine deaminase for lymphocyte development and function
Deficiency in the enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA) in humans manifests primarily as severe lymphopenia and immunodeficiency, resulting in death by 6 months of age, if untreated. In this review, we discuss phenotypical, biochemical, and metabolic hallmarks of the disease, and describe a mouse model in which levels of ADA can be biochemically and genetically manipulated. This model provides exciting possibilities for uncovering the mechanisms by which this purine catabolic enzyme affects lymphopoiesis.