Britannica AI Icon

adenosine deaminase deficiency

pathology
Also known as: ADA deficiency

Quick Summary

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency is a metabolic disorder that leads to a severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). This condition results in the accumulation of 2\u2032-deoxyadenosine within lymphocytes, causing a reduced number of these crucial white blood cells. Consequently, individuals with ADA deficiency have a drastically increased susceptibility to infections.1

While many immune deficiencies are hereditary, ADA deficiency is a specific genetic defect that impairs the body's ability to fight off infections. Treatments can include bone marrow transplantation, gene therapy, or enzyme replacement therapy.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.