About this Research Topic
Autoimmune Blistering Diseases (AIBDs) are rare, chronic, and potentially life-threatening autoimmune diseases of the skin and mucosa. AIBDs are classified into two major groups: i) pemphigus diseases and ii) pemphigoid diseases, which are characterized by autoantibodies against desmosomal structural proteins or the hemi-desmosomal anchoring complex, respectively. They are clinically characterized by blisters and erosions on the skin and/or mucous membranes. Also, they are often considered prototypical for autoimmune diseases since autoantigens as well as autoantibodies are well-described and correlated to the activity/severity of diseases.
While it is most often easy to diagnose AIBDs in their classical presentation, it is on the contrary sometimes difficult to establish an accurate immunological diagnosis when the presentation is atypical, mainly in pemphigoids. We do not know if these incompletely understood forms are related to the fact that we are not able to identify already known autoantigens or if there are other autoantigens that are either unknown or poorly explored.
In addition, many new molecules are currently being tested in AIBDs in order to propose treatments that are both more effective and above all better tolerated in patients who are often fragile. It would be interesting to review these new molecules, but also to provide a pathophysiological rationale for their use.
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:
1. Identification and characterization of unidentified skin autoantigens
2. Classification of atypical AIBDs
3. Physiopathology for the use of novel therapeutic options in AIBDs
4. Emerging disease models for studying the pathogenesis of AIBDs
5. Clinical trials related to AIBDs
We aim to increase awareness of AIBDs in order to improve the development of innovative treatments for not only AIBDs but also other types of autoimmune diseases.
While it is most often easy to diagnose AIBDs in their classical presentation, it is on the contrary sometimes difficult to establish an accurate immunological diagnosis when the presentation is atypical, mainly in pemphigoids. We do not know if these incompletely understood forms are related to the fact that we are not able to identify already known autoantigens or if there are other autoantigens that are either unknown or poorly explored.
In addition, many new molecules are currently being tested in AIBDs in order to propose treatments that are both more effective and above all better tolerated in patients who are often fragile. It would be interesting to review these new molecules, but also to provide a pathophysiological rationale for their use.
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:
1. Identification and characterization of unidentified skin autoantigens
2. Classification of atypical AIBDs
3. Physiopathology for the use of novel therapeutic options in AIBDs
4. Emerging disease models for studying the pathogenesis of AIBDs
5. Clinical trials related to AIBDs
We aim to increase awareness of AIBDs in order to improve the development of innovative treatments for not only AIBDs but also other types of autoimmune diseases.
Keywords: Pemphigus, Autoimmune bullous diseases, Pemphigoids, Immunomodulatory therapeutics, autoantigens
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