Unusual variants of subepidermal autoimmune bullous diseases

PhD ceremony: Ms. J.J.A. Buijsrogge, 14.45 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Title: Unusual variants of subepidermal autoimmune bullous diseases

Promotor(s): prof. M.F. Jonkman

Faculty: Medical Sciences

Subepidermal acquired immunobullous diseases (sAIBD) are characterised by blisters that develop in skin and mucous membranes, for example in the mouth. Although it is well-known that these diseases are the result of a degradation of the immune system, their specific mechanisms are not well understood. Jacqueline Buijsrogge performed her PhD research at the Department of Dermatology of the University Medical Center Groningen.

The autoantibody plectine was found to play a possible role in the development of pemphigoid, a common form of sAIBD. The protein BP180 likely plays a role in oral lichen planus (OLP), a chronic inflammatory disease in the mouth. These findings are considered a connecting element between pemphigoid and OLP. Furthermore it was found that clinical recognition and the utilization of diagnostic methods largely influence the diagnosis of sAIBD. For example, if only serum diagnostics are performed without also studying skin biopsies, two out of three patients with EBA will not be diagnosed.