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Living with Severe combined immunodeficiency, autosomal recessive, T cell-negative, B cell-negative, NK cell-positive

A rare inherited immune condition from complete loss of RAG1 or RAG2 genes, with severe repeated infections starting in the newborn period.

Understanding Severe combined immunodeficiency, autosomal recessive, T cell-negative, B cell-negative, NK cell-positive

Severe combined immunodeficiency due to complete RAG1/2 deficiency is a rare inherited immune condition with no T or B cells.

Babies have repeated, severe infections from bacteria, viruses, and fungi, with onset in the newborn period. They also have skin rashes, chronic diarrhea, poor weight gain, and fever. Tests show very low T and B cells, normal natural killer (NK) cells, and low or absent antibodies. Some may have high eosinophil counts.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Repeated infections (bacterial, viral, fungal)
  • Long-lasting diarrhea
  • Poor weight gain (failure to thrive)
  • Fever
  • Repeated breathing infections
  • Low T and B cell counts

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include allergy and immune system specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Immune Deficiency Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Allergy and immune system specialists (allergists / immunologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Expert lists: Immune Deficiency Foundation
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Immune Deficiency Foundation
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Should we have genetic testing for the RAG1 and RAG2 genes?
What treatment options are available?
How can we protect my child from infections at home?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startInfant
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive

It is caused by changes in the RAG1 and/or RAG2 genes. It is autosomal recessive, so a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

Genetic

Also known as: scid due to complete rag1-2 deficiency; scid due to complete rag1/2 deficiency; scid, ar, t-cell negative, b-cell negative, nk cell-positive; scid, t cell-negative, b cell-negative, nk cell-positive; severe combined immune deficiency, autosomal recessive, t cell-negative, b cell-negative, nk cell-positive, rag1/rag2-related; severe combined immunodeficiency due to complete rag1-2 deficiency

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · Severe combined immunodeficiency, autosomal recessive, T cell-negative, B cell-negative, NK cell-positiveGARD ID 10339 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

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