Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 12, 2026

Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
Recent advances on the 180-kDa epidermal antigen in autoimmune subepidermal bullous skin diseases
1Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Dupuytren, Limoges, France.
Abstract:
The blistering skin disease bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an example of how autoantibodies from patients can be used as tools to improve our knowledge of the molecular structure of normal skin. BP autoantibodies bind to the basement membrane zone of normal human skin and usually react with two main epidermal antigens of approximately 230-kDa and 180-kDa. From recent studies, it is now established that the 180-kDa polypeptide is distinct from the 230-kDa BP antigen and is a major component of hemidesmosome. In this article, the recent data regarding the localization and structure of the epidermal 180-kDa BP antigen are reviewed in detail, together with its clinical significance, since it appears to be also a target antigen for pemphigoid (herpes) gestationis and, perhaps, cicatricial pemphigoid autoantibodies.
Related Concept Videos
Cross-reactivity
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Staphylococcal Skin Infections

