Desmoglein 3-Reactive B Cells “Hiding” in Pemphigus Lesions

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering disease caused by anti-desmoglein 3 IgG autoantibodies. It is accepted that interactions between autoreactive B and T cells are key to humoral autoimmunity targeting desmoglein 3. This orchestrated process usually occurs in secondary lymphoid organs, including the spleen and lymph nodes. Thus, it seems likely that autoreactive B cells reside and produce autoantibodies in these tissues. Yuan et  al. analyzed lymphocytes in the lesional skin of patients with pemphigus vulgaris using several experimental techniques and concluded that desmoglein 3-reactive B cells were present.

Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology - October 18, 2017 Category: Dermatology Authors: Hayato Takahashi Tags: Commentary Source Type: research