TNF alpha and IL-6 are mediators in the blistering process of pemphigus

Background Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease characterized by intraepiderm al blisters induced by pemphigus IgG. In addition to autoantibodies, molecu lar mechanisms involved in acantholysis remain largely unknown. For this re ason. we address a possible role of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF alpha in pemphigus lesions. Methods Sixteen biopsies from patients with different types of pemphigus we re studied by in situ hybridization using DNA fluorescent probes for IL-6 a nd TNF alpha mRNA. Results Fifty-six percent of lesional biopsies exhibited cytokine gene expr ession, which was poorly expressed in noninvolved skin. Deposits of TNF alp ha and IL-6 were products of in situ transcription at the epidermal level. Conclusions Inflammatory cytokine expression around the blister could play a mediator role in pemphigus lesions by increasing epithelial damage.