Background: On the basis of clinical and histopathologic similarities to hu
man paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP), we recently identified the first case o
f PNP in a nonhuman species, the dog.
Objective: To determine a similar pathogenesis in both species, the present
study aimed to define whether common antigens are targeted in dog and man.
Methods: Canine and human PNP sera were used in parallel-to immunoprecipita
te C-14- labeled human keratinocyte antigens. The immunoreactive proteins w
ere then identified by immunoprecipitation of canine keratinocyte extracts
with specific antibodies to the antiplakin family members follwed by immuno
blot analysis using canine and human PNP sera.
Results: Protein bands of 210, 190, 170, and 130 kd were identified in dogs
and humans. In both species, envoplakin and periplakin were demonstrated a
s antigens. Antidesmoglein 3 antibodies could not be demonstrated in canine
PNP, but in human PNP.
Conclusion: These results demonstrate that canine PNP closely correlates to
the human counterpart and may therefore represent an excellent model for t
he human disease.