Pemphigus-vulgaris-specific IVIG (PV-sIVIG) was affinity-purified from IVIG on a column of single-chain variable

fragment (scFv) anti-desmogleins 1 and 3. The anti-idiotypic activity of PV-sIVIG was confirmed by JAK inhibitor enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, inhibition assay. After induction of pemphigus by injection of anti-desmogleins 1 and 3 scFv to newborn mice, the animals were treated with PV-sIVIG, IVIG (low or high dose) or IgG from a healthy donor (n = 10 each). The skin was examined 24–48 h later, and samples of affected areas were analysed by histology and immunofluorescence. In vitro study showed that PV-sIVIG significantly inhibited anti-desmogleins 1 and 3 scFv binding to recombinant desmoglein-3 in a dose-dependent manner. Specificity was confirmed by inhibition assay. In vivo analysis revealed cutaneous lesions of pemphigus

vulgaris in mice injected with normal IgG (nine of 10 mice) or low-dose IVIG (nine of 10 mice), but not in mice treated with PV-sIVIG (none of 10) or high-dose IVIG (none of 10). On immunopathological study, PV-sIVIG and regular IVIG prevented the formation of acantholysis and deposition of IgG in intercellular spaces. In conclusion, the PV-sIVIG preparation is more effective than native IVIG in inhibiting anti-desmoglein-induced pemphigus vulgaris in mice and might serve as a future therapy in patients Selleckchem GW 572016 with the clinical disease. Pemphigus is a group of organ-specific autoimmune mucocutaneous disorders with an established immunological

basis. Its clinical hallmark is the presence of intraepithelial blisters and erosions on the skin and the mucous membranes. Immunohistological studies of pemphigus lesions have shown that immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies directed against the adhesion molecules desmoglein 1 and desmoglein 3 in the affected epithelium cause cell-to-cell detachment of epidermal and mucosal epithelial cells (acantholysis) [1–3]. The goal of therapy is to eliminate these pathogenic autoantibodies [4]. However, at present there are no available selective inhibitors of desmoglein autoantibodies, and therapy is therefore based upon antibody removal and non-specific immunosuppression. Left untreated, pemphigus vulgaris (PV) has a natural history of relentless progression, with 50% mortality at 2 years Selleckchem Depsipeptide and almost 100% at 5 years [5]. Since the 1950s, the survival of patients with PV improved remarkably with the introduction of corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs, which have powerful anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. However, their use is limited severely by immunosuppression, myelosuppression and numerous side effects. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), a blood product prepared from donor serum, is used as replacement therapy in immunodeficient conditions [6,7]. Recent studies have revealed an extremely wide spectrum of IVIG antibody activity.