Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
Changes in the autoimmune blistering response: a clinical and immunopathological shift from pemphigus foliaceus to
J Y Maeda1, A K A Moura, C W Maruta
1Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
We describe a 64-year-old Brazilian man who developed bullous pemphigoid (BP) 12 years after pemphigus foliaceus (PF) was diagnosed. On his first presentation in 1992, histological examination revealed intraepidermal blistering and acantholysis at the granular layer, direct immunofluorescence (DIF) demonstrated intercellular deposits of C3 in the epidermis, and indirect immunofluorescence showed the presence of IgG antibodies against the intercellular spaces. In 2004, laboratory findings revealed a subepidermal blister with neutrophils and eosinophils (by histology), DIF demonstrated deposition of IgG and C3 along the basement membrane zone, salt-split skin showed IgG deposition in the epidermal side of the blister, and immunoblotting showed reactivity against BP180. The occurrence of two autoimmune blistering conditions in the same patient is a rare event, and may suggest an intermolecular epitope-spreading phenomenon.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Autoimmune Disorders
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions

