The distribution of pemphigus vulgaris-IgG subclasses and their reactivity with desmoglein 3 and 1 in pemphigus patients and their first-degree relatives

Abstract

These results support the concept of a genetic predisposition in pemphigus. The non-complement-fixing PV-IgG4 and at least one complement-fixing PV-IgG subclass appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. The absence of PV-IgG4 among relatives who were PV-IgG carriers seems to be linked to the fact that they do not develop pemphigus. The exact nature of this linkage is still unclear.