Pemphigoid and Pemphigus Antibodies. Skin Antibodies.

Immunology

---

Description

Antibodies that react with structural components of the skin are responsible for blistering autoimmune skin diseases. These antibodies can be categorised into those that react to antigens in the basement membrane or the desmosome components of skin tissue. Desmosome antibodies are associated with pemphigus (intraepidermal blistering). There are 3 types of pemphigus with varying clinical features but all are associated with pathogenetic IgG antibodies against desmogleins in the desmosome [1]. Basement membrane antibodies are associated with bullous pemphigoid (subepidermal blistering), the most common autoimmune blistering skin disease which occurs mainly in elderly patients [1]. The pemphigoid hemi-desmosomal antigens have been identified as BP230 and BP180 [1].

---

Indications

Diagnosis of autoimmune bullous skin diseases (pemphigus and pemphigoid).

---

Sample Type

2mL Serum (Gel 5mL Yellow tube). Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

---

Reference Range

Normal result = Negative.

---

Turnaround Time

Within 10 days

---

Testing Frequency

Weekly

---

References

Zillikens D. Diagnosis of autoimmune bullous skin diseases, Clin Lab. 2008. 54(11-12):491-503.Langan SM, et al. Bullous pemphigoid and pemphigus vulgaris-incidence and mortality in the UK: population based cohort study. BMJ. 2008. 337(180):a180.PRU Handbook of Autoimmunity. 4th Edition. 2007. Bystryn J, Rudolph JL. Pemphigus. Lancet. 2005. 366(9479): 61-73.Nousari HC, Anhalt GJ. Pemphigis and bullous pemphigoid. Lancet. 1999. 354(9179):667-672. [Ref 1]

---

Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.