Abstract
The pemphigoid group of autoimmune blistering diseases includes distinct entities (bullous pemphigoid, mucous membrane pemphigoid, pemphigoid gestationis, linear IgA dermatosis and lichen planus pemphigoides) that are characterized by relatively consistent clinical, histologic and immunopathologic findings. Patients with these disorders have antibasement membrane autoantibodies that often display pathogenic (blister-forming) activity following passive transfer to experimental animals. Interestingly, such autoantibodies target important structural proteins that promote adhesion of epidermis to epidermal basement membrane in human skin. Autoimmune blistering diseases are characterized by substantial morbidity (for example pruritus, pain, disfigurement) and in some instances mortality. Treatment with systemic immunosuppressives has reduced morbidity and mortality in patients with these diseases.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 141-166 |
Number of pages | 26 |
Journal | Current Directions in Autoimmunity |
Volume | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2008 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology
- Immunology and Allergy
- General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology