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Nature Reviews. Disease Primers May 2017Pemphigus is a group of IgG-mediated autoimmune diseases of stratified squamous epithelia, such as the skin and oral mucosa, in which acantholysis (the loss of cell... (Review)
Review
Pemphigus is a group of IgG-mediated autoimmune diseases of stratified squamous epithelia, such as the skin and oral mucosa, in which acantholysis (the loss of cell adhesion) causes blisters and erosions. Pemphigus has three major subtypes: pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus and paraneoplastic pemphigus. IgG autoantibodies are characteristically raised against desmoglein 1 and desmoglein 3, which are cell-cell adhesion molecules found in desmosomes. The sites of blister formation can be physiologically explained by the anti-desmoglein autoantibody profile and tissue-specific expression pattern of desmoglein isoforms. The pathophysiological roles of T cells and B cells have been characterized in mouse models of pemphigus and patients, revealing insights into the mechanisms of autoimmunity. Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations and confirmed with histological and immunochemical testing. The current first-line treatment is systemic corticosteroids and adjuvant therapies, including immunosuppressive agents, intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis. Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against CD20 B cells, is a promising therapeutic option that may soon become first-line therapy. Pemphigus is one of the best-characterized human autoimmune diseases and provides an ideal paradigm for both basic and clinical research, especially towards the development of antigen-specific immune suppression treatments for autoimmune diseases.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Animals; Autoantibodies; Desmoglein 1; Desmoglein 3; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Mice; Pemphigus; Plasmapheresis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28492232
DOI: 10.1038/nrdp.2017.26 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Oct 2020Antineoplastic agents that use the immune system have revolutionized cancer treatment. Specifically, implementation of immune checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal... (Review)
Review
Antineoplastic agents that use the immune system have revolutionized cancer treatment. Specifically, implementation of immune checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies that block cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4, programmed cell death protein 1, or programmed cell death ligand 1 show improved and sustained responses in patients with cancer. However, these agents are associated with a plethora of adverse events, many manifesting in the skin. As the clinical application of cancer immunotherapies expands, understanding the clinical and histopathologic features of associated cutaneous toxicities becomes increasingly important to dermatologists, oncologists, and pathologists to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate care. This review discusses cutaneous reactions to immune checkpoint inhibitors, focusing on histopathologic features.
Topics: Acantholysis; Alopecia; Drug Eruptions; Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Keratinocytes; Lichenoid Eruptions; Nevus, Pigmented; Panniculitis; Pemphigoid, Bullous; Pruritus; Psoriasis; Stevens-Johnson Syndrome; Vitiligo
PubMed: 32360716
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.04.105 -
Annual Review of Pathology Jan 2017Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a troublesome, chronic inflammatory disease that affects over 10% of the adult population, causing decreased quality of life, lost... (Review)
Review
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a troublesome, chronic inflammatory disease that affects over 10% of the adult population, causing decreased quality of life, lost productivity, and lost time at work and leading to more than a million surgical interventions annually worldwide. The nose, paranasal sinuses, and associated lymphoid tissues play important roles in homeostasis and immunity, and CRS significantly impairs these normal functions. Pathogenic mechanisms of CRS have recently become the focus of intense investigations worldwide, and significant progress has been made. The two main forms of CRS that have been long recognized, with and without nasal polyps, are each now known to be heterogeneous, based on underlying mechanism, geographical location, and race. Loss of the immune barrier, including increased permeability of mucosal epithelium and reduced production of important antimicrobial substances and responses, is a common feature of many forms of CRS. One form of CRS with polyps found worldwide is driven by the cytokines IL-5 and IL-13 coming from Th2 cells, type 2 innate lymphoid cells, and probably mast cells. Type 2 cytokines activate inflammatory cells that are implicated in the pathogenic mechanism, including mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils. New classes of biological drugs that block the production or action of these cytokines are making important inroads toward new treatment paradigms in polypoid CRS.
Topics: Adult; Chronic Disease; Humans; Nasal Polyps; Rhinitis; Sinusitis
PubMed: 27959637
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-052016-100401 -
Dermatology Practical & Conceptual Jul 2020Autoimmune bullous disorders are a heterogeneous spectrum of skin disorders characterized by the production of autoantibodies against adhesion molecules of the skin. The... (Review)
Review
Autoimmune bullous disorders are a heterogeneous spectrum of skin disorders characterized by the production of autoantibodies against adhesion molecules of the skin. The 2 major groups of diseases are "pemphigus diseases" and "autoimmune bullous diseases of the pemphigoid type." Pemphigus diseases are a group of autoimmune blistering diseases of the skin and mucous membranes characterized by intraepithelial cleft and acantholysis. The main subtypes of pemphigus include pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, and paraneoplastic pemphigus. Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations and confirmed with histological, immunofluorescence, and serological testing. Recently multivariant enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay systems have been developed as practical screening tools for patients with suspected autoimmune bullous dermatoses. The current first-line treatment of pemphigus is based on systemic corticosteroids that are often combined with immunosuppressive adjuvants, such as azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, and the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab, usually at initiation of treatment. Rituximab efficacy is higher when it is administered early in the course of the disease. Therefore, it should be used as first-line treatment to improve efficacy and reduce cumulative doses of corticosteroids and their side effects. Treatment of bullous pemphigoid is based on disease extension. Localized and mild forms can be treated with superpotent topical corticosteroids or with nonimmunosuppressive agents. In patients with generalized disease or whose disease is resistant to the treatments described above, systemic corticosteroids are preferred and effective. Adjuvant immunosuppressants are often combined with steroids for their steroid-sparing effect.
PubMed: 32642305
DOI: 10.5826/dpc.1003a50 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger May 2018Dyskeratosis follicularis (or Darier's disease) is a genetic skin disease with an autosomal dominant inheritance and a prevalence of 1:100,000-1:35,000. Mutations in the... (Review)
Review
Dyskeratosis follicularis (or Darier's disease) is a genetic skin disease with an autosomal dominant inheritance and a prevalence of 1:100,000-1:35,000. Mutations in the gene ATP2A2 encoding the Ca2+-ATPase SERCA2 in the endoplasmatic reticulum lead to acantholysis and dyskeratosis in the epidermis, nails and mucosal membranes with resultant brown-yellow coloured, often infested skin papules and nail changes. The newly established Danish database for genodermatoses is embarking on an extensive registration of all Danish patients with Darier's disease. Hopefully, the establishment of this database will lead to better research and the formation of a patient association.
Topics: Darier Disease; Databases, Factual; Humans; Retinoids
PubMed: 29761773
DOI: No ID Found -
Dental Clinics of North America Oct 2013Pemphigus vulgaris and paraneoplastic pemphigus are 2 subtypes of pemphigus that involve the oral mucosa. These autoimmune blistering disorders have antibodies targeted... (Review)
Review
Pemphigus vulgaris and paraneoplastic pemphigus are 2 subtypes of pemphigus that involve the oral mucosa. These autoimmune blistering disorders have antibodies targeted against proteins of keratinocyte adhesion, thereby causing acantholysis. Clinical findings include oral erosions and flaccid cutaneous bullae and erosions. Further malignancy workup in patients with suspected paraneoplastic pemphigus is warranted. Retrospective uncontrolled studies suggest that immunosuppressive agents reduce mortality in pemphigus vulgaris and cohort uncontrolled studies of rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against CD20, suggest it is an effective treatment for refractory patients. Ongoing studies will define its role in early disease.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Mouth Mucosa; Mouth Neoplasms; Pemphigus; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 24034068
DOI: 10.1016/j.cden.2013.06.002 -
Journal of Translational Autoimmunity Dec 2019Bullous skin diseases are a group of dermatoses characterized by blisters and bullae in the skin and mucous membranes. The etiology and pathogenesis of bullous skin... (Review)
Review
Bullous skin diseases are a group of dermatoses characterized by blisters and bullae in the skin and mucous membranes. The etiology and pathogenesis of bullous skin diseases are not completely clear. The most common are pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid (BP). Autoantibodies play critical roles in their pathogenesis. Abnormalities in the adhesion between keratinocytes in patients with pemphigus leads to acantholysis and formation of intra-epidermal blisters. Anti-desmoglein autoantibodies are present both in the circulation and skin lesions of patients with pemphigus. The deficient adhesion of keratinocytes to the basement membrane in BP patients gives rise to subepidermal blisters. Autoantibodies against the components of hemidesmosome can be detected in BP patients. Many novel therapeutics based on knowledge of the pathogenesis have emerged in recent years.
PubMed: 32743502
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2019.100014