Reviewed August 2007
What is the official name of the AIRE gene?
The official name of this gene is “autoimmune regulator.”
AIRE is the gene's official symbol. The AIRE gene is also known by other names, listed below.
What is the normal function of the AIRE gene?
The AIRE gene provides instructions for making a protein called the autoimmune regulator. This protein is active primarily in the thymus, which is a gland located behind the breastbone that plays an important role in immune system function. Specifically, the thymus produces infection-fighting cells called T cells.
For a person to remain healthy, immune system cells such as T cells must be able to identify and destroy potentially harmful invaders (such as bacteria and viruses) while sparing the body's normal tissues. The autoimmune regulator protein plays an important role in this process by helping T cells distinguish the body's own proteins from those of foreign invaders. When this system is working properly, it prevents the immune system from turning against itself and attacking healthy tissues by mistake. This abnormal reaction is called autoimmunity. In the thymus, the autoimmune regulator protein helps control the activity of certain genes that protect against autoimmunity.
Researchers continue to study the autoimmune regulator protein to clarify its role in autoimmunity and to determine whether it has additional functions.
How are changes in the AIRE gene related to health conditions?
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autoimmune polyglandular syndrome, type 1 - caused by mutations in the AIRE gene
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More than 60 mutations in the AIRE gene have been identified in people with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome, type 1. Some of these genetic changes lead to the production of an abnormally short, nonfunctional version of the autoimmune regulator protein. Other mutations change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in critical regions of the protein.
AIRE mutations reduce or eliminate the function of the autoimmune regulator protein. Without enough of this protein, the immune system can malfunction, resulting in autoimmunity. This abnormal reaction leads to inflammation and can damage otherwise healthy cells and tissues. For reasons that are unclear, defects in the autoimmune regulator protein primarily affect hormone-producing (endocrine) glands. Damage to endocrine glands, including the adrenals, parathyroids, and thyroid, underlies many of the major features of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome, type 1.
Where is the AIRE gene located?
Cytogenetic Location: 21q22.3
Molecular Location on chromosome 21: base pairs 44,530,190 to 44,542,529
The AIRE gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 21 at position 22.3.
More precisely, the AIRE gene is located from base pair 44,530,190 to base pair 44,542,529 on chromosome 21.
See How do geneticists indicate the location of a gene? in the Handbook.
Where can I find additional information about AIRE?
You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about AIRE helpful.
- Educational resources - Information pages
- Gene Tests - DNA tests ordered by healthcare professionals
You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for genetics professionals and researchers.
- PubMed - Recent literature
- OMIM - Genetic disorder catalog
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What other names do people use for the AIRE gene or gene products?
- AIRE1
- AIRE_HUMAN
- APECED
- APS1
- APSI
- Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy protein
- PGA1
Where can I find general information about genes?
The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.
These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.
What glossary definitions help with understanding AIRE?
The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for
professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about
a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified
healthcare professional.
See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.