Specifically, it is a genetic disease of the immune system and is known as an immunodeficiency disease. The immune system is basically deficient in some way or is missing a key part of it that allows it to function properly. The syndrome affects patients at an early age, sometimes on the very day of their birth even while some experience symptoms after several months. In Omenn syndrome, if left untreated, the disease will eventually cause the death of that patient. Omenn syndrome is a mysterious genetic disease of the immune system characterized by distinctive skin pattern symptoms, debilitating effects on the RAG genes, and an early onset in life. It is a fascinating disease and worth learning more …show more content…
In fact, studies have shown that 90% of Omenn syndrome cases are caused by hypomorphic mutations that cause a reduced level of expression of the product produced by the RAG1 and RAG2 genes. The mutation of the RAG genes causes there to be problems in the production of V(D)J segments which form large portions of immunoglobulins and receptors found on T cells. This hinders the development of mature B and T cells in a patient. This in turn causes a decrease in lymphocytes around the body, specifically in the thymus and other lymphatic tissues. Often, mutations do not completely affect the production of V(D)J segments and the genes may at least be partially