Pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering disease involving skin and mucous membranes. It is the most common and severe clinical type of pemphigus with much a high mortality. Although studies have been carried out at home and abroad, little is known about its pathogenesis. Among these hypotheses, the desmoglein compensation theory is the most influential. Meanwhile, following the development of immunology and molecular biology, more possible theories on PV have been proposed, including the antibody-induced apoptosis theory, basal cell shrinkage hypothesis, and so on, which may hasten the search for new treatment targets of PV and other autoimmune diseases, and subsequently favor their treatment. Key words: Pemphigus;  Desmogleins;  Apoptosis;  Matrix metalloproteinase 9