CYBB deficiency is one of five described biochemical defects associated with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). CGD is characterized by recurrent, severe infections to pathogens that are normally harmless to humans, such as the common mold Aspergillus niger, and can result from point mutations in the gene encoding Nox2. In this disorder, there is decreased activity of phagocyte NADPH oxidase; neutrophils are able to phagocytize bacteria but cannot kill them in the phagocytic vacuoles. The cause of the killing defect is an inability to increase the cell's respiration and consequent failure to deliver activated oxygen into the phagocytic vacuole. At least 34 disease-causing mutations in this gene have been discovered.
