Partial Correction of the Phagocyte Defect in Patients with X-Linked Chronic Granulomatous Disease by Subcutaneous Interferon Gamma

Abstract

Chronic granulomatous disease, a disorder of host defense, is characterized by an impairment in the killing of microbes that results from a defect in the production of Superoxide anion by phagocytes. We examined the efficacy of interferon gamma, a physiologic activator of phagocytic-cell function, in the treatment of the disease. Two subcutaneous injections of recombinant interferon gamma (0.1 mg per square meter of body-surface area per dose) were administered on consecutive days to four patients with the X-linked form of the disease.