Immune mechanism-targeted treatment of experimental epidermolysis bullosa acquisita

Ralf Ludwig*

*Corresponding author for this work
    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is an autoimmune bullous dermatosis characterized by chronic mucocutaneous blistering caused by autoantibodies directed against type VII collagen. EBA causes a high morbidity and is difficult to treat. Model systems have significantly broadened our understanding of EBA pathogenesis, leading to the identification of numerous therapeutic targets. Of these, so far, a few have been evaluated for their therapeutic potential in preclinical models. In mice, EBA can be induced by transfer of anti-type VII collagen antibodies or by immunization with the protein. The latter model, immunization-induced EBA, is ideal to test drugs for their therapeutic efficacy. Here, mice with already established disease can be treated for prolonged periods. Albeit time consuming, results from immunization-induced EBA will pave the way for clinical application in patients. As the key pathogenic principle, that is, autoantibody-induced, leukocyte-mediated tissue injury and inflammation, is shared by other diseases, these findings may have translational applications beyond EBA.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalExpert Review of Clinical Immunology
    Volume11
    Issue number12
    Pages (from-to)1365-1378
    Number of pages14
    ISSN1744-666X
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 02.12.2015

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