Mast cell expression in pemphigus vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid: insights from cd117 immunohistochemistry and its relation to disease severity
Abstract
Background Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and bullous pemphigoid (BP) are autoimmune bullous diseases which imply different pathogenic mechanisms. Mast cells (MCs) are resident immune cells that are involved in localized immune responses. Their incorporation in autoimmune disorders including autoimmune bullous diseases is still under investigation. Objective To explore the extent of MCs expression in PV and BP patients by detection of CD117 expression in their skin lesions. Patients and methods This study was designed as a comparative cross-sectional observational study involving 20 patients with PV, 20 patients with BP and 10 healthy controls. Disease severity was assessed using PV disease area index (PDAI) and BP disease area index (BPDAI). Biopsies were examined using H&E staining and immunohistochemical analysis of CD-117. CD-117 expression was classified from grade I to grade IV (as
Fields of Study & Subjects
Autoimmune Bullous Skin Diseases
Mast cells and histamine
Dermatology and Skin Diseases
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of the Egyptian Womenʼs Dermatologic Society
- Publisher
- Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
- Volume
- 23
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 70–78
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN