Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is genetic disorder that causes lymphocites (white blood cells) to survive after an infection. This is caused by a defective FAS mediated apoptosis (programmed cell death).
This deffective apoptosis causes side effects like an enlarged spleen and profliferation of abnormally large lymphnodes.
Cortisone is usually the first treatment when proliferation has exceeded accepted levels. However, this is a toxic treatment and should not be used chronicially. The cortisone treatment is usually followed by a immunosupressiva like cellcept or rapamycine.
I would like to find out the following:
How does one make sure that even with a deffective appoptosis it still functions at maximum capacity? Are there any preventitve measures the patient can take in terms of nutrition?