[5][6] It is a member of the DOCK-D subfamily of the DOCK family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) which function as activators of small G-proteins.

[7] Subsequent RT-PCR analysis revealed expression of this protein in the spleen, thymus, bone marrow and in peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Cdc42 in turn regulates signaling pathways that control diverse cellular functions including morphology, migration, endocytosis and cell cycle progression.

The patients presented with early-onset autoimmunity, including cytopenia, systemic lupus erythematosus, skin, and digestive manifestations.

Abnormal regulatory T cells (Tregs) phenotype with profoundly reduced FOXP3 and IKZF2 expression was also observed, consistent with the autoimmune features developed by the DOCK11-deficient patients.