Pemphigus vulgaris and vegetans.

Pemphigus vulgaris, which has multiple clinical variants, is an autoimmune blistering disorder of skin and mucous membranes, usually affecting the elderly, with a strong immunogenetic link. Immunologic studies of this disease have been productive in defining the pathophysiology of blister formation and the characteristics of the pemphigus antigen. New therapies resulting from the newest research techniques would prevent the global immunosuppression that occurs during drug therapy with systemic glucocorticoids, which is the cornerstone of therapy for patients afflicted with this potentially life-threatening disorder.