Pemphigus and pemphigoid diseases: in memoriam Detlef Zillikens

Download or read book Pemphigus and pemphigoid diseases: in memoriam Detlef Zillikens written by Ralf J. Ludwig and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2024-06-19 with total page 380 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Pemphigus and pemphigoid diseases are a heterogenous group of autoimmune blistering disorders (AIBD) characterized by tissue-bound and circulating autoantibodies against structural proteins of the desmosome and basement membrane zone of the skin and orifice-close mucosal tissues. While strong evidence has been provided that autoantibodies in AIBD are pathogenic, the exact mechanisms of how blister formation is mediated is very different between pemphigus and pemphigoid disorders and yet incompletely understood. Additionally, target antigens for the major AIBDs have already been identified on the molecular level. In contrast, diagnostic assays are not yet available for all autoantibody specificities and isotypes. Treatment also greatly relies on long-term unspecific immunosuppressants, although rituximab has greatly improved the outcome for patients with moderate and severe pemphigus. There is currently still a need to identify key pathophysiological mediators and pathways for the development of more specific, safer, and more effective treatment options. This Research Topic will honor the work of the late Detlef Zillikens, who has dedicated over 30 years to the field of AIBD and has authored more than 600 articles. We strongly encourage the submission of articles from colleagues and researchers who have collaborated with Prof. Zillikens in the past, however, we will also consider manuscripts from other authors. We would particularly like articles to cite Prof. Zillikens work wherever it is appropriate. We welcome the submission of original research and review articles that cover, but are not limited to, the following sub-topics: • autoantibody specificities • diagnostic assays • in vitro or in vivo studies about the effect of autoantibodies and their modulation • epidemiology and treatment of AIBD Reports of individual cases are discouraged Dr. Enno Schmidt receives grant funding from Euroimmun, Incyte, Dompe, Admirx, Synthon/biondis, Bayer, Pharmix, Alpine Immune, AstraZeneca, Sanofi, ArgenX, UCB, Novartis, Biotest, Fresenius Medical Care, and is consulting for Roche, Imevax, Thermo Fisher, Janssen, Topas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Almirall, and Chugai. The other Topic Editors declare no potential competing interests in relation to the Research Topic theme.