Pemphigus: a complex T cell-dependent autoimmune disorder leading to acantholysis.
Pemphigus is a relatively rare autoimmune bullous disorder involving the skin and mucous epithelia. Clinically characterized by blisters and erosions, its histological hallmark is acantholysis induced by IgG antibodies (ab) against desmoglein 3 and/or desmoglein 1. The role of ab alone in inducing acantholysis is still a matter of debate as several mechanisms could be involved. Another intriguing area of research is the trigger factor inducing autoimmunity in pemphigus patients and the role of T and B cells in this process. This paper will review the data related to the mechanisms of acantholysis between keratinocytes and the role of T cell in this phenomenon.
Veldman
Christian
C
Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany. veldman@med.uni-marburg.de
Feliciani
Claudio
C
D000051:Acantholysis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology*; D001768:Blister / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D051183:Desmoglein 1 / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D051184:Desmoglein 3 / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D010392:Pemphigus / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
D001323:Autoantibodies; D051183:Desmoglein 1; D051184:Desmoglein 3