[Desmoglein, the target molecule in autoimmunity and infection]

Area of Science:

• Cell biology
• Immunology
• Genetics

Context:

• Desmosomes, containing desmogleins (Dsgs), are vital for tissue integrity.
• Dsgs are transmembrane cadherin molecules mediating cell-cell adhesion.

Purpose:

• To explore the diverse roles of desmogleins (Dsgs) in various diseases.
• To investigate the link between Dsgs, autoimmunity, and infectious agents.

Summary:

• Autoimmune diseases like pemphigus involve anti-Dsg autoantibodies.
• Staphylococcal toxins targeting Dsg1 cause skin conditions like SSSS.
• Mutations in DSG genes lead to inherited disorders such as palmoplantar keratoderma and hypotrichosis.

Impact:

• Elucidating Dsg functions provides a framework for understanding disease mechanisms.
• Research on Dsgs can bridge the gap between autoimmunity and infection studies.