| Abstract: | Skin biopsies from pemphigus vulgaris patients in the acute phase of disease and after successful GST therapy were studied in respect to their capacity to express OKT6, OKIa1 and HLA-DR antigens. In comparison to controls, the epidermis overlaying noninvolved skin contained significantly (p = 0.0001) fewer detectable Ia and T6 antigen-bearing Langerhans' cells. Lower epidermal Langerhans' cell density in comparison to controls was detected in both prednisolone-treated and untreated patients. A normalization of prior defective antigen expression was observed in patients in remittence after GST therapy. This correlated with a normal delayed type hypersensitivity reaction (Multitest Mérieux). |
