TNFα and IL-6 are mediators in the blistering process of pemphigus

Background Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease characterized by intraepidermal blisters induced by pemphigus IgG. In addition to autoantibodies, molecular mechanisms involved in acantholysis remain largely unknown. For this reason. we address a possible role of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF alpha in pemphigus lesions. Methods Sixteen biopsies from patients with different types of pemphigus were studied by in situ hybridization using DNA fluorescent probes for IL-6 and TNF alpha mRNA. Results Fifty-six percent of lesional biopsies exhibited cytokine gene expression, which was poorly expressed in noninvolved skin. Deposits of TNF alpha and IL-6 were products of in situ transcription at the epidermal level. Conclusions Inflammatory cytokine expression around the blister could play a mediator role in pemphigus lesions by increasing epithelial damage.