Genetic predisposition to bullous pemphigoid

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a common autoimmune blistering skin disease that preferentially affects elderly patients. It is characterized by the presence of circulating IgG autoantibodies targeting the structural proteins BP180 (also termed COL17 or BPAG2) and BP230 (dystonin or BPAG1) of the epidermal basement membrane zone, which leads to the separation of the epidermis and dermis [1]. Globally, the incidence has been estimated as 11.38 per 1 million people per year, and the risk of BP increases up to 6-fold in patients over 80 years old when compared to patients at the 60 –69 age group [2].
Source: Journal of Dermatological Science - Category: Dermatology Authors: Tags: Review article Source Type: research