In light of these findings, we propose that R247C and other variants within the SAND-domain alter protein function in a dominant fashion and hold potential as drivers of autoimmunity.
The heterozygous transversion c.961C > G (p.Ser278Arg) located in exon 7 was identified in 4 patients with autoimmune hepatitis type I, and mostly in those presenting with a positive family history for autoimmune diseases.
Given the carrier frequency of R139X in the Sardinian population, AIRE may be implicated in the pathogenesis of other autoimmune diseases in the Sardinian population, particularly those affecting the endocrine system.