Understanding the molecular mechanisms of pemphigoids
The EC-funded PEMPHIGOIDS & IMMUNI project concentrated on expanding the available knowledge base on PEs and eventually focuses efforts on developing a novel immunotherapy for these diseases. Understanding the pathology of PE is a key first step towards fully elucidating the molecular mechanisms surrounding these diseases in order to pave the way towards a new therapy. Project partners concentrated on understanding the protein biology involved in the skin's basement membrane and thus clarify the pathology behind PEs. Studies showed that the major molecular trigger of an autoimmune response in bullous PE is a protein termed BP180 (collagen XVII). This autoantigen, so called because of its property to initiate an immune response against itself, is found in two forms. Research studies showed that the second, shorter form of BP180 is generated from the cleavage of the longer form. That process, termed shedding, has been deemed as crucial in the emergence of autoantigens in PEs and could indicate the first step towards the development of a novel immunotherapy. The University of Freiburg has filed for patent protection for this line of research and is seeking to enter into collaborative agreements to exploit the potential of its findings.
