The new pemphigus variants

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999 May;40(5 Pt 1):649-71; quiz 672-3. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(99)70145-3.

Abstract

Pemphigus describes a group of autoimmune diseases characterized by blisters and erosions of the skin and mucous membranes, acantholysis by histology, and autoantibodies directed against epidermal cell surface components. Since the early 1970s, the following new clinical variants of pemphigus have been reported: pemphigus herpetiformis, IgA pemphigus, and paraneoplastic pemphigus. In recent years, significant data have been obtained from laboratory investigation on these rare and atypical variants, especially regarding their specific target antigens. We review these variants, their clinical presentations, histologic findings, immunopathology, target antigens, theories of pathogenesis, treatment modalities, and clinical courses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acantholysis / pathology
  • Autoantibodies / immunology
  • Autoantigens / analysis
  • Autoimmune Diseases / classification
  • Blister / pathology
  • Dermatitis Herpetiformis / classification
  • Epidermis / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A / immunology
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / classification
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / immunology
  • Pemphigus / classification*
  • Pemphigus / immunology
  • Pemphigus / pathology
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Autoantigens
  • Immunoglobulin A