Pemphigoid diseases: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.

Pemphigoid diseases (including bullous pemphigoid, mucous membrane pemphigoid, pemphigoid gestationis, linear IgA dermatosis, lichen planus pemphigoides, and anti-p200 pemphigoid) are a subgroup of autoimmune bullous skin diseases characterized by an autoantibody response toward structural components of the hemidesmosome resulting in subepidermal blistering. By the use of different in vitro systems and experimental animal models, the pathogenic relevance of these autoantibodies has been demonstrated. Recent advances in the understanding of autoantibody responses have led to novel diagnostic tools and a more differentiated therapeutic approach for these disorders. This review covers the most recent understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of this group of autoimmune diseases.