The IgG “Lupus-Band” Deposition Pattern of Pemphigus Erythematosus

Abstract

High doses of UV light are likely to induce the cleaving of the desmoglein 1 ectodomain. In patients with pemphigus foliaceus, the circulating anti–desmoglein 1 antibodies precipitate this cleaved-off ectodomain along the basement membrane zone, resulting in a lupus band–like appearance. In pemphigus erythematosus, a similar mechanism may be active, which might explain the lupus-band phenomenon.