TLDR The study created a mouse model that survives longer and shows fewer symptoms of pemphigus vulgaris.
The study developed a syngeneic mouse model for pemphigus vulgaris (PV) by using transgenic expression of desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) to rescue B6-Dsg3−/− mice, which typically did not survive due to severe oral erosions. By expressing Dsg1, the researchers were able to block the pathogenic effects of anti-Dsg3 antibodies, improving survival rates and reducing symptoms such as body weight loss and telogen hair loss. Over 80% of the B6-Dsg1tg/tgDsg3−/− mice survived at week 6, compared to the B6-Dsg1wt/wtDsg3−/− mice, which died by week 2. This model provided a valuable tool for studying the immunological mechanisms in autoimmunity and tolerance of Dsg3.
29 citations
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October 2004 in “Differentiation” Multiple mouse desmoglein 1 isoforms have distinct roles in skin and hair development.
108 citations
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July 2002 in “Molecular and cellular biology” Overexpressing Dsg3 in mice skin causes excessive cell growth and abnormal skin development.
72 citations
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July 2002 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Desmoglein 1 can partly make up for the loss of Desmoglein 3 in hair adhesion but not in mucous membranes.
13 citations
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January 2018 in “BioMed Research International” Scalp involvement is common in pemphigus and can lead to hair loss, with the severity of scalp lesions linked to overall disease severity.
11 citations
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December 2014 in “The American journal of pathology” A gene deletion in mice causes weak protein, immune issues, hair loss, airway problems, and wasting disease.
23 citations
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November 2011 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Hair loss is a rare but recognized symptom of pemphigus vulgaris, with patients usually regrowing hair after treatment.
72 citations
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July 2002 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Desmoglein 1 can partly make up for the loss of Desmoglein 3 in hair adhesion but not in mucous membranes.
September 2008 in “Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature” Loss of Desmocollin 3 in mice causes skin blisters and hair loss.
