Quality-controlled characterization of a monoclonal antibody specific to an EC5-domain of human desmoglein 3 for pemphigus research.

Background: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a life-threatening autoimmune blistering disease caused mainly by IgG autoantibodies (auto-abs) against the cadherin-type adhesion molecules desmoglein (Dsg) 1 and 3. Pathogenic anti-Dsg3 auto-abs bind to different Dsg3 epitopes, leading, among others, to signalling that is involved in pathogenic events, such as Dsg3 depletion. As central tools in research on PV, a limited number of antibodies such as AK23 are frequently used by the autoimmune bullous disease community.