Pemphigus Vulgaris IgG and Methylprednisolone Exhibit Reciprocal Effects on Keratinocytes

The study investigated the effects of methylprednisolone (MP) on pemphigus vulgaris (PV), an autoimmune disease affecting skin adhesion. Using an animal model, researchers found that MP significantly reduced keratinocyte detachment caused by PV IgG autoantibodies. The study revealed that MP not only provided immunosuppression but also directly countered acantholysis by up-regulating genes related to keratinocyte adhesion, while PV IgG down-regulated these genes. MP increased protein levels of adhesion molecules like E-cadherin and desmogleins, and reduced their phosphorylation, suggesting that MP's therapeutic effects in PV involved enhancing synthesis and modifying keratinocyte adhesion molecules.