The hyper IgE syndrome (HIES) is an immunodeficiency characterized by recurrent infections, eczema, and elevated serum IgE concentrations. An autosomal dominant form (AD-HIES) is caused by mutations in the transcription factor STAT3 gene. An autosomal recessive form (AR-HIES) was described in 2004, and is particularly over-represented in Turkish population with HIES. Subsequent studies led to the discovery of the gene encoding the Dedicator of Cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) as the target of mutations in the overwhelming majority of patients with AR-HIES. This review retraces the steps leading to the discovery of DOCK8 deficiency and the critical role played in the process by Prof. Isil Berat Barlan, M.D., as well as detailing our current knowledge of this disorder and future directions in its investigation and therapy.

Keywords: