Research advances in pemphigus

Pemphigus is an autoimmune disorder, known to be caused by autoantibodies d irected against critical adhesion molecules of squamous epithelial cells, t he desmogleins. These autoantibodies induce blistering of skin and mucosal surfaces and lead to severe morbidity and, potentially, death. Key factors include associated major histocompatibility complex class II genes, the str ucture of the desmoglein antigens, and the role of autoantibody in impairin g cellular adhesion. This article discusses the precise structure of the ma jor histocompatibility complex class II gene-peptide-T-cell receptor comple x involved and of the environmental and genetic factors that induce autoimm unity against desmoglein 1. Discovery of antigen-specific immunotherapy and insight into environmental factors that initiate autoimmunity in genetical ly susceptible individuals are needed.