Research offers insights into pemphigus

In pemphigus, a group of autoimmune disorders, autoantibodies attack the protein desmoglein in skin and mucous membrane cells. This causes lesions and blisters that do not heal. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania engineered antibodies like those in pemphigus, then showed that the antibodies inactivate desmogleins. The researchers also identified the regions on the antibody that cause the autoimmune response. This information may help develop therapies to treat pemphigus. The research was published in the April 1, 2005, edition of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.