MD A10: Testing a new single chain variable fragment for pemphigus foliaceus in the human skin organ culture model

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) are organ-specific autoimmune blistering diseases of the skin. They are characterized and caused by autoantibodies against the desmogleins (dsgs) 1 and/or 3. Binding of anti-dsg1/3-autoantibodies to target antigens in the skin disrupts adhesion between keratinocytes, resulting in intraepidermal blistering (acantholysis). Using the human skin organ culture (HSOC) model established in the Hundt lab and a new single chain variable fragment targeting dsg1 produced by the Hammers lab, we want to test its efficacy on causing split formation in the human skin. We hope to establish a new HSOC model for PF which will serve as a testing tool to establish future treatment options for PF. Hopefully, we will afterwards test different kinase inhibitors and their potential to inhibit split formation in our newly developed HSOC model for PF.