| Abstract |
Dr. P. T. Chan
Social Hygiene Service (Dermatology), Department of Health, Hong Kong
With recent advances in laboratory techniques, the pathogenesis of pemphigus has been better understood. The common mechanism involves the development of antibodies against desmosomal proteins. Different clinical, pathological and immunological features define the subgroups of pemphigus diseases. This review article will summarize the current knowledge on the pathogenesis of pemphigus, with emphasis on the different antigens involved in the autoimmune process. The mechanism of immune intolerance leading to recognition of self-antigens is still unknown.
Keywords : Antigens, pathogenesis, pemphigus, review