Enrichment of total serum IgG4 in patients with pemphigus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) are potentially fatal blistering diseases caused by autoantibodies targeting desmoglein (Dsg) adhesion proteins. Previous studies have shown an IgG4 > IgG1 predominance of anti-Dsg antibodies in pemphigus; however, no studies have examined total serum IgG4 levels in pemphigus. IgG4 is induced by chronic antigen stimulation, which could occur with persistent skin blistering and potentially elevate the total serum IgG4 relative to other IgG subclasses in patients with pemphigus.

Objectives

The primary aim of the study was to quantitate total and Dsg-specific IgG subclasses in patients with pemphigus.

Methods

IgG subclasses and Dsg-specific IgG1 and IgG4 were quantitated in patients with PV and PF, and in se

SUBMITTER: Funakoshi T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3601918 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature