About this Research Topic
Autoimmune Blistering Diseases (AIBDs) are rare, intractable and possibly fatal organ-specific autoimmune diseases of the skin that are characterized clinically by blister formation on the skin and various mucous membranes, and immunologically by the presence of anti-skin autoantibodies mainly comprised of the IgG and IgA subclasses. AIBDs are classified into two major groups: 1. Pemphigus diseases and 2. Pemphigoid diseases, which are characterized by autoantibodies against desmosomal structural proteins or the hemi-desmosomal anchoring complex, respectively.
Recent immunological, biochemical and molecular biology studies have identified various novel autoantigens that trigger AIBDs, leading to the proposal of a new classification system for a number of different types of AIBDs. In addition, previous studies using various disease models have deepened our insight into the pathogenesis of some types of AIBDs, including pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, bullous pemphigoid and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, leading to the proposal of novel and safe therapeutic options. However, despite these important findings, the true pathogenic mechanisms underlying most types of AIBDs have not yet been clarified, and ideal treatments remain to be established.
In this Research Topic, we welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, Methods, Protocol, Systematic Review, Mini Review, Hypothesis and Theory, Perspective, Clinical Trial, Clinical Study Protocol, Case Report, Classification and Opinion articles that shed light on the recent progress in research on various aspects of AIBDs, including, but not limited to:
(i) Identification and characterization of unidentified skin autoantigens
(ii) Classification of different AIBDs
(iii) Studies of the immunological pathogenesis of AIBDs using various disease models
(iv) Identification of novel therapeutic options for patients with AIBDs
(v) Clinical trials related to AIBDs
We aim to increase awareness of AIBDs and to foster the development of ideal treatments for not only AIBDs but also for other types autoimmune diseases.
Dr. Enno Schmidt receives grant funding from Euroimmun, Incyte, UCB, Admirx, Synton/biondis, Biotest, Fresenius Medical Care, Dompe, and AstraZeneca and is a co-inventor on a patent with Euroimmun. The other Topic Editors declare no potential competing interests in relation to the Research Topic theme.
Keywords: Autoimmune bullous disease, autoimmune disease, pemphigus, pemphigoid, autoantibodies, autoantigen, desmosome, hemidesmosome, classification, pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical trial, mouse model, ELISA, immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, rituximab, intravenous immunoglobulin, Bruton tyrosine kinase, CAAR-T therapy
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
