New immunologic techniques for the fine diagnosis of blistering diseases

In summary, the newer immunologic methods discussed in this paper have proven useful for advancing our understanding of disease pathogenesis in several epidermal and subepidermal blistering diseases of the skin. The antigenic targets for various autoantibodies have been defined and their biochemical nature determined. In addition, these methods are helpful in making a firm diagnosis of a given blistering disease whenever there is any doubt. Moreover, this diagnosis will rest upon an objective biochemical parameter. This has helped us to understand the distinctions between diseases that may appear clinically similar and yet be quite different in biochemical nature.