Immunopathological techniques in the diagnosis of bullous disorders

Immunopathological techniques have become essential to the investigation and management of autoimmune vesiculobullous diseases. In this article the role and practical application of direct immunofluorescence, indirect immunofluorescence and complement C3 binding indirect immunofluorescence techniques, and their relevance to the diagnosis and management of the individual blistering diseases will be reviewed. The diagnostic value and limitations of the new split skin indirect method will also be described. Furthermore, the contribution of immunoelectron microscopy and immunoblotting studies to our knowledge of the pathogenesis of these diseases will be discussed.