Hunter Syndrome - What is Hunter Syndrome?

Hunter syndrome, or mucopolysaccharidosis Type II, is a lysosomal storage disease caused by a deficient (or absent) enzyme, iduronate-2-sulfatase (I2S).

The syndrome is named after physician Charles A. Hunter (1873-1955), who first described it in 1917. Born in Scotland, Hunter emigrated to Canada and had a medical practice in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Hunter syndrome, or mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS II), is a serious genetic disorder that primarily affects males. It interferes with the body's ability to break down and recycle specific mucopolysaccharides, also known as glycosaminoglycans or GAG. Hunter syndrome is one of several related lysosomal storage diseases.

In Hunter syndrome, GAG builds up in cells throughout the body due to a deficiency or absence of the enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase (I2S).

This buildup interferes with the way certain cells and organs in the body function and leads to a number of serious symptoms. As the buildup of GAG continues throughout the cells of the body, signs of Hunter syndrome become more visible.

Physical manifestations for some people with Hunter syndrome include distinct facial features and large head. In some cases of Hunter syndrome, central nervous system involvement leads to developmental delays and nervous system problems.

Not all people with Hunter syndrome are affected by the disease in exactly the same way, and the rate of symptom progression varies widely. However, Hunter syndrome is always severe, progressive, and life-limiting.

There are estimated to be approximately 2,000 people afflicted with Hunter Syndrome worldwide, 500 of whom live in the United States.

There are about 30 Hunter Syndrome patients in Canada, 1 in New Zealand and 6 in Ireland.

Further Reading

• Hunter Syndrome Diagnosis
• Hunter Syndrome Genetics
• Hunter Syndrome Biochemistry
• Hunter Syndrome Symptoms
• Hunter Syndrome Treatments

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