[Frontiers in Bioscience 2, d343-352, July 15, 1997]

<[Frontiers in Bioscience 2, d343-352, July 15, 1997]

	[Frontiers in Bioscience 2, d343-352, July 15, 1997] Reprints PubMed CAVEAT LECTOR
	HUMAN SKIN BASEMENT MEMBRANE IN HEALTH AND IN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES Lawrence S. Chan Medicine Service, Section of Dermatology, Lakeside Division, VA Chicago Health Care System, and Division of Immunodermatology, Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Medical School, 300 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611 Received 7/3/97 Accepted 7/10/97 5. SUMMARY Skin BMZ is a complex structure situated between the inner layer of epidermis and the outer layer of dermis. The major function of skin BMZ is adherence of epidermis to dermis. Skin BMZ is composed of many individual yet interconnected components. Disruption of any of these components either due to genetic mutation or as a result of autoantibody attack leads to the loss of adherence of epidermis to dermis and results in the formation of subepidermal blister. Skin BMZ components that have been attacked by autoimmune reactions include the hemidesmosome/upper lamina lucida-located bullous pemphigoid antigens (BP230 and BP180); the lower lamina lucida-located laminin-5 (previously named kalinin, epiligrin, nicein, BM600), laminin-6 (previously named k-laminin), and p105; and the sub-lamina densa-located type VII collagen (epidermolysis bullosa acquisita antigen). Other well-defined skin BMZ components including laminin-1, a₆b₄ integrin, type IV collagen, perlecan, entactin/nidogen, plectin, have not been reported as being targeted by autoantibodies in blistering skin diseases. As more components are being discovered and studied, we will get a better understanding of the complex structures and functions of skin BMZ.

[Frontiers in Bioscience 2, d343-352, July 15, 1997]
Reprints
PubMed
CAVEAT LECTOR

HUMAN SKIN BASEMENT MEMBRANE IN HEALTH AND IN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

Lawrence S. Chan
Medicine Service, Section of Dermatology, Lakeside Division, VA Chicago Health Care System, and Division of Immunodermatology, Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Medical School, 300 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611

Received 7/3/97 Accepted 7/10/97

5. SUMMARY

Skin BMZ is a complex structure situated between the inner layer of epidermis and the outer layer of dermis. The major function of skin BMZ is adherence of epidermis to dermis. Skin BMZ is composed of many individual yet interconnected components. Disruption of any of these components either due to genetic mutation or as a result of autoantibody attack leads to the loss of adherence of epidermis to dermis and results in the formation of subepidermal blister. Skin BMZ components that have been attacked by autoimmune reactions include the hemidesmosome/upper lamina lucida-located bullous pemphigoid antigens (BP230 and BP180); the lower lamina lucida-located laminin-5 (previously named kalinin, epiligrin, nicein, BM600), laminin-6 (previously named k-laminin), and p105; and the sub-lamina densa-located type VII collagen (epidermolysis bullosa acquisita antigen). Other well-defined skin BMZ components including laminin-1, a₆b₄ integrin, type IV collagen, perlecan, entactin/nidogen, plectin, have not been reported as being targeted by autoantibodies in blistering skin diseases. As more components are being discovered and studied, we will get a better understanding of the complex structures and functions of skin BMZ.