Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is characterized by acantholysis determined by IgG4 binding to desmoglein I, a 160-kDa desmosomal glycoprotein. To investigate the immunopathological aspects of Brazilian PF, we determined levels of serum cytokines in patients with PF. Twenty-five patients with PF and a control group consisting of 10 healthy individuals were studied. Serum IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12...

Binding of anti-cell surface pemphigus autoantibodies to cultured human epidermal cells stimulates synthesis and secretion of plasminogen activator (PA). Increases in PA activity were detected within 6 h of the addition of IgG and stimulation was dependent upon IgG concentration. Stimulation of PA activity was inhibited by cycloheximide, which indicates that synthesis of protein was necessary. ...

IL-23/IL-17 axis has been identified as major factor involved in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases; yet its pathogenetic role in pemphigus vulgaris (PV) remains controversial. The aim of this research was to investigate the potential role of IL-23/IL-17 axis in the immunopathogenesis of PV, and correlation between IL-23+ cells and IL-17+ cells was also evaluated. For this purpose,...

The goal of contemporary research in pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus is to achieve and maintain clinical remission without corticosteroids. Recent advances of knowledge on pemphigus autoimmunity scrutinize old dogmas, resolve controversies, and open novel perspectives for treatment. Elucidation of intimate mechanisms of keratinocyte detachment and death in pemphigus has challenged th...

BACKGROUND Pemphigus is a severe autoimmune blistering disorder caused by autoantibodies to desmoglein 1 and 3. The disease course is typically severe, thus requiring multiple immunosuppressive agents. The treatment is still challenging and in some patients with recalcitrant disease, therapies fail and therapeutic options are limited. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether depletion of B lymphocyt...