Update on immunogenetics of Tunisian endemic pemphigus foliaceus

Abstract

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is an autoimmune blistering skin disease characterized by the presence of bullous skin lesions, the absence of mucous tissue involvement, and the production of autoantibodies directed against a keratinocyte transmembrane protein localized in the desmosome and member of the cadherines, desmoglein 1. These pathogenic auto-antibodies are responsible for the intra-epidermal formation of blisters through the loss of keratinocyte adhesion, the socalled acantholysis process. The endemic form of PF observed in the south of Tunisia is characterized by a significantly higher incidence rate compared to the sporadic form in northern countries, occurrence mainly in young women and the absence of cases during childhood. Tunisian endemic PF is an ideal research model for the decryption of the puzzle of genetic and environmental factors and their interactions in the development of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we will summarize recent findings regarding the epidemiologic and immunologic features of Tunisian PF and its genetic and environmental factors. K E Y W O R D Sautoimmune blistering disease, desmoglein, genetic polymorphism, HLA, Prolactine, TLR

South Tunisian pemphigus patients beyond 60 years: epidemiological profile and evolution

“…PF is endemic in young women from rural origin with a high incidence of PH. 1,2 This study is the first to show an equal distribution between superficial and profundus forms in patients aged over 60 years. Over 70 years, PP was dominant; sex-ratio tended to equilibrate similarly to what was reported in France.…”

“…South Tunisian pemphigus is characterized by predominance of superficial forms affecting preferentially young women. 1 However, little is known about this disease in an elderly population. This work aims to study epidemiological profile and evolution of pemphigus in a population over 60 years of age in south Tunisia.…”

Immunopathology of acantholytic pemphigus (review)

“…Не вызывает сомнений различие в эпидемиологических особенностях различных форм пузырчатки у представителей разных этнических групп [12][13][14][15][16]. Прямая и непрямая иммунофлюоресценция в сочетании с ELISA позволяют дифференцировать различные формы пузырчатки [15].…”

Progress and history of the 10th Federation of African Immunological Societies Congress

“…In line with this evolution, the JLB cluster of papers also places a particular focus on autoimmunity. For example, Hatem Masmoudi and colleagues review the immunogenetics of Tunisian endemic pemphigus foliaceus and the review by Melika Ben Ahmed and colleagues describes the role of an endogenous aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand in enhancing de novo generation of regulatory T cells in humans. The field of cancer immunity is also represented by Amel Benammar Elgaaied in his article on the expression and polymorphism of micro‐RNA according to body mass index and breast cancer presentation in Tunisian patients.…”