Learn About Mucosal Pemphigus Vulgaris
What is mucosal pemphigus vulgaris?
Mucosal pemphigus vulgaris (mPV) is an autoimmune disorder in which painful blisters are formed on the inside of the mouth, nose, throat, eyelids, anus, and genitals. In an autoimmune disorder, your body’s own defense system, the immune system, attacks the body by mistake. In mucosal pemphigus vulgaris, B cells – a type of immune cell in your body – mistakenly attack a protein related to skin cells, called desmoglein 3 (DSG3). B cells are important for fighting infections, but “bad” B cells make antibodies that attack DSG3. This causes formation of painful blisters.
How is mucosal pemphigus vulgaris treated?
Mucosal pemphigus vulgaris can be treated with corticosteroids or immunosuppressant medications. However, these medications suppress the entire immune system. This puts people at risk of serious infections and other side effects. Therefore, new personalized treatment options are needed for people with mucosal pemphigus vulgaris.