Development of concepts of etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of pemphigus vulgaris based on the hypothesis of atavistic origin of the disease.
Atavistically dependent expression of pemphigus vulgaris 'immune' antigen (PVIA) on the human epidermocyte surface is hypothetically the key factor of autoimmune aggression onset in pemphigus patients. Normal epidermocytes can express PVIA in response to a putative factor of 'sheding' as well as to certain biologic, chemical and physical effects. Taking into account the fact that the antibodies against 'shedding' factor carry out the function of anti-idiotypic ones, they can be used as blocking antibodies in treatment of pemphigus vulgaris.
Grando
S A
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Unit of Immunodermatology, Kiev State Advanced Training Institute for Doctors, USSR.
D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies; D001324:Autoantigens; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008954:Models, Biological; D010392:Pemphigus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D010802:Phylogeny; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D012911:Snakes
D001323:Autoantibodies; D001324:Autoantigens