What is pemiphigus?

➢ Pemphigus is an uncommon autoimmune blistering disorder resulting from loss of normal intercellular attachments within the epidermis and the squamous mucosal epithelium. ➢ There are three major variants: • Pemphigus vulgaris (the most common type) • Pemphigus foliaceus • Paraneoplastic pemphigus ➢ Autoimmune diseases caused by antibody-mediated (type II) hypersensitivity reactions. ➢ The pathogenic antibodies are IgG autoantibodies that bind to intercellular desmosomal proteins found in the skin and mucous membranes. ➢ The antibodies disrupt the intercellular adhesive function of desmosomes and may activate intercellular proteases as well