Immune Complexes in Pemphigus and Bullous Pemphigoid

Abstract

28 serum and 10 blister fluid specimens obtained from 28 pemphigus vulgaris (PV) patients were assayed for immune complexes using the polyethylene glycol (PEG)assay. 11% of sera and 30% of the blister fluids have elevated levels of immune complexes. Anti-intercellular cement substance (ICS) antibody could not be detected in PEG precipitates, but was present in the supernatants from the serum. However, anti-ICS antibody was found in 70 of the precipitated complexes from the blister fluid. 18 serum and 31 blister fluid specimens obtained from 18 bullous pemphigoid (BP) patients were assayed for immune complexes using the PEG assay. 17% of sera and 31% of the blister fluids have elevated levels of immune complexes. Antibasement membrane zone (BMZ) antibody could not be detected in the PEG precipitates, but was present in the supernatants obtained from the sera. Anti-BMZ antibody was found in 57% of the precipitated complexes from the blister fluids. This data further supports the hypothesis that the majority of the complexes in PV and BP are formed in situ.