Re: Pemphigus vulgaris

"Cell surface antibodies circulate in the blood in up to 80 percent of patients with pemphigus. Testing for cell surface antibodies is important in establishing the diagnosis of pemphigus (all types). Desmoglein antibody testing (performed as a separate test, in conjunction with both IgG and IgA cell surface antibody testing), can help distinguish types of pemphigus. Moreover, because antibody titers correlate with disease severity, the results can be used to monitor disease activity and response to treatment.

In epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, blistering also occurs in a subepidermal location, and IgG antibodies also bind to basement membrane zone components. However, in epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, IgG basement membrane zone antibodies bind exclusively to the dermal side of split skin. Therefore, detection of circulating IgG basement membrane zone antibodies, along with their basement membrane zone localization, can be used as sensitive and specific diagnostic tests for pemphigoid and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita." Tweet