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The final destiny of acantholytic cells in pemphigus is Fas mediated

M G Pacheco-Tovar1, E Avalos-Díaz, E Vega-Memije

  • 1Department of Immunology, Unidad Académica de Biología Experimental, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Guadalupe, Zacatecas, México.

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV
|May 28, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

In pemphigus, apoptosis and acantholysis are linked via the Fas pathway. CD8 cells are associated with this pathway in pemphigus lesions, suggesting a role in disease pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disease.
  • Autoantibodies target desmoglein 1 and 3, causing acantholysis.
  • The role of the Fas pathway in pemphigus acantholysis is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate Fas pathway involvement in pemphigus acantholysis.
  • Identify cellular sources of Fas pathway components in pemphigus lesions.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 17 pemphigus patient biopsies.
  • Histopathology (H&E), apoptosis (TUNEL), and immunohistochemistry (Fas, FasL, caspase 3).
  • Immunofluorescence for cell infiltrates (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD69).

Main Results:

  • Biopsies showed intra-epidermal blisters, acantholysis, and inflammatory infiltrates.
  • Fas, FasL, and caspase 3 were expressed in blisters.
  • Increased Fas expression and apoptotic features were observed in acantholytic cells and keratinocytes; CD8 cells expressed FasL.

Conclusions:

  • Morphological evidence links apoptosis and acantholysis in pemphigus.
  • The Fas pathway is implicated in pemphigus pathogenesis.
  • CD8 cells are associated with the Fas pathway in pemphigus lesions.

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