Targeting an Immune Switch in Rare Diseases

WHIM syndrome is a rare, inherited, primary immunodeficiency disease caused by mutations to the CXCR4 receptor gene. Because of the role CXCR4 plays in the immune system, it is implicated in a number of rare diseases. X4 Pharmaceuticals, a company founded by rare disease pioneer Henri Termeer and other Genzyme alums, is developing a pipeline of CXCR4-targeted therapies. We spoke to Paula Ragan, co-founder, president and CEO of X4, about WHIM syndrome, the role CXCR4 plays in the immune system, and how the company’s experimental therapy Mavorixafor may be able to treat a range of rare conditions.