Detection of collagen VII autoantibodies to NC1 and NC2 domains of collagen VII by ELISA in suspected epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and bullous lupus erythematosus patients

Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus - a case report

Skin involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) occurs in more than 75% of patients with this condition. Vesicles and blisters in lupus erythematosus (LE) may be present in SLE secondary to interface vacuolar changes in the epidermis, in discoid LE also secondary to vacuolar epidermal changes, and in bullous LE secondary to antibodies anti-collagen VII deposits with neutrophilic aggregates. In addition, blisters can occur due to the association of SLE with other autoimmune blistering diseases (e.g. bullous pemphigoid). BSLE is a rare blistering disease that mainly occurs in females (30–40 years old), and less frequently in children and adolescents. The most common presentation is rapid and widespread development of tense vesicles and bullae over erythematous macules or plaques. Preferential sites are: superior trunk, proximal superior limbs, and face (lips) with symmetrical distribution. Mucosal involvement is common on perioral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, and genital areas. The involvement of sun-exposed areas is not mandatory. The lesions usually progress with no scarring, but hypo or hyperchromia may be present. We report an 18-year-old female patient with blistering lesions at admission, who was diagnosed with BSLE. She was initially treated with systemic prednisone and hydroxychloroquine. Her condition evolved with relapsing lesions, which required the introduction of Dapsone. The authors emphasize the relevance of recognizing BSLE—a rare presentation of SLE—which may evolve with marked clinical presentation.

Immune mechanism-targeted treatment of experimental epidermolysis bullosa acquisita

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is an autoimmune bullous dermatosis characterized by chronic mucocutaneous blistering caused by autoantibodies directed against type VII collagen. EBA causes a high morbidity and is difficult to treat. Model systems have significantly broadened our understanding of EBA pathogenesis, leading to the identification of numerous therapeutic targets. Of these, so far, a few have been evaluated for their therapeutic potential in preclinical models. In mice, EBA can be induced by transfer of anti-type VII collagen antibodies or by immunization with the protein. The latter model, immunization-induced EBA, is ideal to test drugs for their therapeutic efficacy. Here, mice with already established disease can be treated for prolonged periods. Albeit time consuming, results from immunization-induced EBA will pave the way for clinical application in patients. As the key pathogenic principle, that is, autoantibody-induced, leukocyte-mediated tissue injury and inflammation, is shared by other diseases, these findings may have translational applications beyond EBA.

Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus: a review and update to diagnosis and treatment

Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) is a rare cutaneous complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is a heterogeneous disease that is caused by autoantibodies to the dermoepidermal junction, mainly type VII collagen. Similarities in histology and immunopathology exist between BSLE and other primary bullous dermatoses, namely dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), respectively. EBA and BSLE commonly share the same autoantibody to type VII collagen and heterogeneous clinical presentations, creating a diagnostic challenge. However, clinical presentation combined with histology, immunological testing, and concomitant diagnosis of SLE distinguish this entity from other similar dermatoses. Diagnosis of this disease is important given its coexistence with SLE and its many complications. New developments in IgG subtyping have shown subtle variations in IgG subtypes between EBA and BSLE. In addition, rituximab was recently found to be efficacious in recalcitrant cases of BSLE that do not respond to dapsone and immunosuppressants. We review the topic of BSLE with emphasis on clinical, histologic, and immunopathologic features, as well as new methods of diagnosis and treatment.