Desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) belongs to the desmoglein subfamily and functions as an adhesion molecule in desmosomes. Two pools of Dsg3 have been identified, detergent soluble and insoluble proteins. Recent studies show that DSG3 is upregulated in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, its biological function in cancer remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the extra-junctional functions of Dsg3, in particular its roles in signalling that regulates cell morphology and locomotion in cancer cells. This study adopted a unique cancer cell model with Dsg3 gain-of-function and has discovered two novel regulatory signal pathways that may play a crucial role in the control of cell invasion and metastasis in Dsg3 associated cancers. Firstly, Dsg3 regulates the phosphorylation of Ezrin at Thr567 in a PKCdependent manner that is crucial for its activation and regulation of actin based membrane projections and accelerated cell locomotion in SCC. Secondly, Dsg3 modulates the transcriptional activity of cJun:AP1 that is responsible for regulating a cohort of genes to confer an invasive phenotype. It is likely that these two pathways are closely linked in that the Dsg3-mediated activation of cJun:AP1 elicits PKCdependent Ezrin activation that in turn enable it to form a complex with Dsg3 at the plasma membrane to promote membrane projection and cell locomotion. Several lines of evidence support these conclusions: Dsg3 forms a complex with Ezrin at the plasma membrane and induces phosphorylation of Ezrin resulting in augmented membrane protrusions and cell migration. Dsg3 silencing inhibits junction formation concomitant with collapse of membrane protrusion. Furthermore, Dsg3 regulates the activity of cJun:AP1. Collectively, these findings provide new insight regarding Dsg3 in cancer, suggesting it acts as a key regulator of cell invasion and metastasis in SCC. Therefore, targeting Dsg3 could be a potential new strategy in the control of cancer progression and metastasis.

Introdução: Os pênfigos vulgar (PV) e foliáceo (PF) são dermatoses autoimunes vésico-bolhosas que apresentam anticorpos da classe IgG dirigidos contra desmogleínas 1 (Dsg) 1 e 3, cuja consequência é a clivagem intraepitelial (acantólise). Objetivo: Caracterizar o perfil clínico e imunológico dos doentes de PF ou PV com envolvimento umbilical. Métodos: Dez pacientes de pênfigo (vulgar ou foliáceo) com manifestação umbilical, acompanhados no Hospital das Clínicas, Departamento de Dermatologia da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo foram analisados no período entre agosto de 2008 e janeiro de 2010, segundo suas características clínicas, histopatológicas e imunológicas (imunofluorescência direta, indireta e ELISA utilizando Dsg1 e Dsg3 recombinantes). Resultados: Os dados demográficos identificaram que, dos 10 pacientes incluídos, sete eram mulheres, e três homens; a idade variou entre 2470 anos, e a duração da enfermidade entre três e 16 anos. Cinco pacientes foram diagnosticados como PV e cinco como PF. Eritema, erosões, crostas e lesões vegetantes foram as características clínicas mais relevantes presentes nas regiões umbilicais. A imunofluorescência direta (IFD) da região umbilical mostrou depósitos de IgG e C3 intercelulares intraepiteliais em oito doentes, e IgG isolada em dois indivíduos. A imunofluorescência indireta (IFI) com conjugado IgG mostrou padrão típico intercelular de pênfigo em todos os 10 pacientes, com títulos variando entre 1 : 160 e 1:2560. ELISA Dsg1 recombinante mostrou índices de 24 a 266 no PF, e de 0 a 270 no PV. A reatividade contra Dsg3 recombinante foi positiva em todos os pacientes com PV (ELISA 2298), e mostrou-se negativa em todos os soros de PF. Conclusões: Todos os 10 pacientes com pênfigo com manifestação umbilical demonstraram perfil clínico e imunológico compatíveis com PF ou PV. Esta apresentação peculiar, ainda não bem elucidada, é raramente descrita na literatura. Uma possível explicação para esta apresentação distinta pode ser atribuída à presença de novos epítopos, ou uma associação com vestígios embrionários ou de cicatrizaçào, localizados na região do cordão umbilical / Background: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) are autoimmune vesicobullous disorders with IgG autoantibodies directed against desmoglein (Dsg)1 and 3, which lead to intraepidermal acantholysis. Aim: To characterize the clinical and immunological profile of patients with PF or PV with umbilical involvement. Methods: Ten patients from the Outpatient Clinic, Hospital das Clínicas, Departamento de Dermatologia da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, diagnosed with either PV (n = 5) or mucocutaneous PF (n = 5) with umbilical lesions were assessed according to their clinical features, histopathology and immunological findings [direct and indirect immunofluorescence (DIF and IIF) and ELISA with recombinant Dsg1 and Dsg3]. Patients were evaluated from August 2008 to January 2010. Results: Demographic data showed that from 10 patients, seven were women, and three men; age ranged from24 to70 years-old, disease duration was from 3 to 16 years). Erythema, erosions, crusts and vegetating skin lesions were the main clinical features of the umbilical region. DIF of the umbilical lesion gave positive results for intercellular epidermal IgG and C3 deposits in eight patients and for IgG alone in the other two. Indirect immunofluorescence with IgG conjugate showing the typical pemphigus pattern was positive in all 10 patients, with titres varying from 1: 160 to 1:2560. ELISA with recombinant Dsg1 gave scores of 24266 in PF and 0 270 in PV. Reactivity to recombinant Dsg3 was positive in all five patients with PV (ELISA 2298) and was negative in all PF sera. Conclusions: All 10 patients diagnosed as pemphigus with umbilical presentation had the clinical and immunopathological features of either PF or PV. This peculiar presentation, not yet completely elucidated, has been rarely reported in the literature. A possible explanation for this unique presentation may be the presence of either novel epitopes or an association with embryonic or scar tissue located in the umbilical-cord region

Introdução: Os pênfigos vulgar (PV) e foliáceo (PF) são dermatoses autoimunes vésico-bolhosas que apresentam anticorpos da classe IgG dirigidos contra desmogleínas 1 (Dsg) 1 e 3, cuja consequência é a clivagem intraepitelial (acantólise). Objetivo: Caracterizar o perfil clínico e imunológico dos doentes de PF ou PV com envolvimento umbilical. Métodos: Dez pacientes de pênfigo (vulgar ou foliáceo) com manifestação umbilical, acompanhados no Hospital das Clínicas, Departamento de Dermatologia da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo foram analisados no período entre agosto de 2008 e janeiro de 2010, segundo suas características clínicas, histopatológicas e imunológicas (imunofluorescência direta, indireta e ELISA utilizando Dsg1 e Dsg3 recombinantes). Resultados: Os dados demográficos identificaram que, dos 10 pacientes incluídos, sete eram mulheres, e três homens; a idade variou entre 2470 anos, e a duração da enfermidade entre três e 16 anos. Cinco pacientes foram diagnosticados como PV e cinco como PF. Eritema, erosões, crostas e lesões vegetantes foram as características clínicas mais relevantes presentes nas regiões umbilicais. A imunofluorescência direta (IFD) da região umbilical mostrou depósitos de IgG e C3 intercelulares intraepiteliais em oito doentes, e IgG isolada em dois indivíduos. A imunofluorescência indireta (IFI) com conjugado IgG mostrou padrão típico intercelular de pênfigo em todos os 10 pacientes, com títulos variando entre 1 : 160 e 1:2560. ELISA Dsg1 recombinante mostrou índices de 24 a 266 no PF, e de 0 a 270 no PV. A reatividade contra Dsg3 recombinante foi positiva em todos os pacientes com PV (ELISA 2298), e mostrou-se negativa em todos os soros de PF. Conclusões: Todos os 10 pacientes com pênfigo com manifestação umbilical demonstraram perfil clínico e imunológico compatíveis com PF ou PV. Esta apresentação peculiar, ainda não bem elucidada, é raramente descrita na literatura. Uma possível explicação para esta apresentação distinta pode ser atribuída à presença de novos epítopos, ou uma associação com vestígios embrionários ou de cicatrizaçào, localizados na região do cordão umbilical / Background: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) are autoimmune vesicobullous disorders with IgG autoantibodies directed against desmoglein (Dsg)1 and 3, which lead to intraepidermal acantholysis. Aim: To characterize the clinical and immunological profile of patients with PF or PV with umbilical involvement. Methods: Ten patients from the Outpatient Clinic, Hospital das Clínicas, Departamento de Dermatologia da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, diagnosed with either PV (n = 5) or mucocutaneous PF (n = 5) with umbilical lesions were assessed according to their clinical features, histopathology and immunological findings [direct and indirect immunofluorescence (DIF and IIF) and ELISA with recombinant Dsg1 and Dsg3]. Patients were evaluated from August 2008 to January 2010. Results: Demographic data showed that from 10 patients, seven were women, and three men; age ranged from24 to70 years-old, disease duration was from 3 to 16 years). Erythema, erosions, crusts and vegetating skin lesions were the main clinical features of the umbilical region. DIF of the umbilical lesion gave positive results for intercellular epidermal IgG and C3 deposits in eight patients and for IgG alone in the other two. Indirect immunofluorescence with IgG conjugate showing the typical pemphigus pattern was positive in all 10 patients, with titres varying from 1: 160 to 1:2560. ELISA with recombinant Dsg1 gave scores of 24266 in PF and 0 270 in PV. Reactivity to recombinant Dsg3 was positive in all five patients with PV (ELISA 2298) and was negative in all PF sera. Conclusions: All 10 patients diagnosed as pemphigus with umbilical presentation had the clinical and immunopathological features of either PF or PV. This peculiar presentation, not yet completely elucidated, has been rarely reported in the literature. A possible explanation for this unique presentation may be the presence of either novel epitopes or an association with embryonic or scar tissue located in the umbilical-cord region

No description available.

Pênfigo é uma dermatose bolhosa autoimune, endêmica em algumas áreas, como no nordeste do estado de São Paulo, Brasil, caracterizada pela produção de autoanticorpos contra desmogleínas (Dsg) - proteínas de adesão dos queratinócitos. O pênfigo vulgar (PV) acomete mucosas e pele, pela produção de anti-Dsg 3 e 1, respectivamente. O pênfigo foliáceo (PF) apresenta lesões exclusivamente na pele, pela produção de anti-Dgs1. Esta região também é endêmica para a Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana (LTA), cujo principal fator etiológico é Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Objetivos: Relacionar fatores imunogenéticos dos pênfigos com aqueles da LTA, investigando, em pacientes com pênfigos, LTA e em controles: a resposta humoral às Dsg 1 e 3 e contra Chagas; a resposta humoral e celular aos antígenos de leishmania; e a associação dos alelos HLA de classe II -DR e -DQ no grupo LTA com aqueles de suscetibilidade e de resistência descritos nos pênfigos. Métodos: A resposta humoral foi investigada por: (i) ELISA para determinação dos anticorpos anti-Dsg 1 e 3, anti-L. V. braziliensis e contra T. cruzi; (ii) imunoblotting (IB) com extrato proteico de epiderme e com extrato proteico de L. (V.) braziliensis; (iii) imunofluorescência indireta (IFI) com substrato de pele humana e soro de pacientes com LTA. A resposta celular foi realizada por teste intradérmico de Montenegro (TIM). A tipificação dos alelos HLA -DR e -DQ foi realizada por PCR-SSOP. Resultados: A resposta humoral às Dsg confirmou o esperado - anti-Dsg1: 84,6% no grupo PF e 54,8% no grupo PV; e antiDsg3: 83,9% no PV; não havendo diferença significativa entre os grupos LTA e controles - anti-Dsg1: 16% nos familiares de PF (FPF); 5,2% no grupo LTA; 4,2% no grupo FPV; e 2,7% nos controles vizinhos; e anti-Dsg3: 12% no grupo FPF; 6,4% no grupo PF e 5,2% no grupo LTA. Houve reconhecimento dos peptídeos de 130kDa (corresponde ao PM da Dsg3), 145kDa, 150kDa (Dsg2), 160kDa (Dsg1), 230kDa (BP230), 250kDa, 290kDa, 350kDa, 410kDa, 425kDa e 460kDa da epiderme humana por soro de pacientes com LTA. A IFI resultou positiva para anti-IgG em 2/6 pacientes com LTA. Em um deles, houve reconhecimento de peptídeos intercelulares da epiderme, guardando semelhança aos pênfigos; e, no outro, de antígenos da zona da membrana basal, guardando semelhança ao penfigoide bolhoso. A resposta humoral a L. (V.) braziliensis resultou mais elevada no grupo LTA (73% para LTAc e 62% para LTAm) em relação aos demais grupos, sem diferença significativa entre os grupos pênfigos (1,3% no grupo PF e 1,6% no PV) e os controles (10,8% nos controles vizinhos e 4% no grupo FPF, FPV e controles Banco de Sangue). Pacientes com pênfigos apresentaram títulos sorológicos para T. cruzi semelhantes aos controles. Houve reconhecimento de peptídeos de L. (V.) braziliensis pelo soro dos pacientes com pênfigo (45kDa, 95kDa, 100kDa, 120kDa, 125kDa, 145kDa, 150kDa, 305kDa, 330kDa, 410kDa e >500kDa). O TIM foi negativo nos 6 pacientes com PF ou PV avaliados. Os alelos DRB1*01:02 e DQA1*01 mostraram associação de resistência para LTA e suscetibilidade para PF; o alelo DRB1*04:02 de resistência para LTA e suscetibilidade para PV; os alelos DRB1*07:01 e *11:01 de suscetibilidade para LTA e resistência para PF; e o DQA1*01:02 mostrou associação de suscetibilidade a ambos LTA e PF. Conclusões: os pacientes com LTA têm resposta humoral às Dsg 1 e 3, e os pacientes com pênfigo, aos antígenos de L. (V.) braziliensis e de T. cruzi semelhante aos controles. Os soros de pacientes com pênfigos reconhecem peptídeos da epiderme e da zona da membrana basal por IB e IFI. Os demais peptídeos reconhecidos pelos pacientes com LTA ao extrato epidérmico, assim como dos pacientes com pênfigos ao extrato de L. (V.) braziliensis necessitam sequenciamento. As associações de suscetibilidade ou resistência dos alelos HLA de classe II -DR e -DQ são opostas para LTA e pênfigo. Os resultados confirmam a não participação do parasito L. (V.) braziliensis na patogênese dos pênfigos, assim como corroboram a observação clínica da ausência da associação de ambas as doenças na região do estudo / Pemphigus is an autoimmune bullous dermatosis, endemic in some areas, such as in the northeastern of São Paulo state, characterized by the production of autoantibodies against desmoglein (Dsg) - keratinocytes adhesion proteins. Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) affects mucous membranes and skin, by the production of anti-Dsg 3 and 1, respectively. Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) affects only the skin, by the production of anti-Dsg 1. This region is also endemic for American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL), whose main etiological factor is Leishmania (V.) braziliensis. Objectives: To relate immunogenetic factors of pemphigus with those of ACL, investigating, in patients with pemphigus, ACL and controls: the humoral response to Dsg 1 and 3; the humoral and cellular responses to Leishmania antigens; and the association of class II -DR and -DQ HLA alleles in ACL group with those of susceptibility and resistance described in pemphigus. Methods: The humoral response was investigated by (i) ELISA for determination of anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 antibodies and anti-antibodies from T. cruzi and L. braziliensis; (ii) immunoblotting (IB) with protein extract of the epidermis and protein extract of L. braziliensis; (iii) indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) with human skin substrate and serum of ACL patients. The cellular response was carried out by intradermal test Montenegro (ITM). The typing of HLA-DQ and -DR alleles was performed by PCR-SSOP. Results: The humoral response to Dsg confirmed expected in groups of PV and PF (anti-Dsg1: 84.6% in the PF group and 54.8% in the PV group, and anti-Dsg3: 83.9% in PV), with no significant difference between the ACL and control groups [anti-Dsg1: 16% in relatives of PF (RPF), 5.2% in the ACL, 4.2% in relatives of PV (RPV) and 2.7% of controls neighbors; anti-Dsg3: 12% in RPF, 6.4% in the PF group and 5.2% in ACL)]. There has been recognition of peptides 130kDa, 145 kDa, 150kDa, 160kDa, 230 kDa, 250 kDa, 290 kDa, 350 kDa, 410 kDa, 425 kDa and 460 kDa of human epidermis by serum of ACL patients. The IFI was positive in 1/6 ACL patients evaluated. The humoral response to L. braziliensis resulted higher in ACL group (73% to ACLc and 62% to ACLm) compared to the other groups, with no significant difference between pemphigus groups (1.3% in the PF group and 1.6% the group PV) and controls (10.8% in neighboring controls and 4% in FPF, in FPV and BS controls). Patients with pemphigus have serological titers to T. cruzi similar to controls. There was L. braziliensis recognition of peptides by the patients with pemphigus (45 kDa, 95 kDa, 100 kDa, 120 kDa, 125 kDa, 145 kDa, 150 kDa, 305 kDa, 330 kDa, 410 kDa and> 500 kDa). The ITM was negative in 06 patients with PF or PV evaluated. The DRB1*01:02 and DQA1*01 showed resistance association for LTA and susceptibility to PF; allele DRB1*04:02 resistance to ACL and susceptibility to PV; the DRB1*07: 01 and *11:01 susceptibility to ACL and resistance to PF; and DQA1*01:02 showed susceptibility association with both ACL and PF. Conclusions: Patients with ACL have humoral response to Dsg 1 and 3, and pemphigus patients to L. braziliensis and T. cruzi antigens similar to controls. The peptides recognized by patients with pemphigus to L. braziliensis extract require sequencing. The susceptibility or resistance associations of class II -DR and -DQ HLA alleles are opposed to ACL and pemphigus. The results confirm the non-participation of the parasite L. (V.) braziliensis in the pathogenesis of pemphigus, as well as support the clinical observation of the absence of both diseases association

Pênfigo é uma dermatose bolhosa autoimune, endêmica em algumas áreas, como no nordeste do estado de São Paulo, Brasil, caracterizada pela produção de autoanticorpos contra desmogleínas (Dsg) - proteínas de adesão dos queratinócitos. O pênfigo vulgar (PV) acomete mucosas e pele, pela produção de anti-Dsg 3 e 1, respectivamente. O pênfigo foliáceo (PF) apresenta lesões exclusivamente na pele, pela produção de anti-Dgs1. Esta região também é endêmica para a Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana (LTA), cujo principal fator etiológico é Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Objetivos: Relacionar fatores imunogenéticos dos pênfigos com aqueles da LTA, investigando, em pacientes com pênfigos, LTA e em controles: a resposta humoral às Dsg 1 e 3 e contra Chagas; a resposta humoral e celular aos antígenos de leishmania; e a associação dos alelos HLA de classe II -DR e -DQ no grupo LTA com aqueles de suscetibilidade e de resistência descritos nos pênfigos. Métodos: A resposta humoral foi investigada por: (i) ELISA para determinação dos anticorpos anti-Dsg 1 e 3, anti-L. V. braziliensis e contra T. cruzi; (ii) imunoblotting (IB) com extrato proteico de epiderme e com extrato proteico de L. (V.) braziliensis; (iii) imunofluorescência indireta (IFI) com substrato de pele humana e soro de pacientes com LTA. A resposta celular foi realizada por teste intradérmico de Montenegro (TIM). A tipificação dos alelos HLA -DR e -DQ foi realizada por PCR-SSOP. Resultados: A resposta humoral às Dsg confirmou o esperado - anti-Dsg1: 84,6% no grupo PF e 54,8% no grupo PV; e antiDsg3: 83,9% no PV; não havendo diferença significativa entre os grupos LTA e controles - anti-Dsg1: 16% nos familiares de PF (FPF); 5,2% no grupo LTA; 4,2% no grupo FPV; e 2,7% nos controles vizinhos; e anti-Dsg3: 12% no grupo FPF; 6,4% no grupo PF e 5,2% no grupo LTA. Houve reconhecimento dos peptídeos de 130kDa (corresponde ao PM da Dsg3), 145kDa, 150kDa (Dsg2), 160kDa (Dsg1), 230kDa (BP230), 250kDa, 290kDa, 350kDa, 410kDa, 425kDa e 460kDa da epiderme humana por soro de pacientes com LTA. A IFI resultou positiva para anti-IgG em 2/6 pacientes com LTA. Em um deles, houve reconhecimento de peptídeos intercelulares da epiderme, guardando semelhança aos pênfigos; e, no outro, de antígenos da zona da membrana basal, guardando semelhança ao penfigoide bolhoso. A resposta humoral a L. (V.) braziliensis resultou mais elevada no grupo LTA (73% para LTAc e 62% para LTAm) em relação aos demais grupos, sem diferença significativa entre os grupos pênfigos (1,3% no grupo PF e 1,6% no PV) e os controles (10,8% nos controles vizinhos e 4% no grupo FPF, FPV e controles Banco de Sangue). Pacientes com pênfigos apresentaram títulos sorológicos para T. cruzi semelhantes aos controles. Houve reconhecimento de peptídeos de L. (V.) braziliensis pelo soro dos pacientes com pênfigo (45kDa, 95kDa, 100kDa, 120kDa, 125kDa, 145kDa, 150kDa, 305kDa, 330kDa, 410kDa e >500kDa). O TIM foi negativo nos 6 pacientes com PF ou PV avaliados. Os alelos DRB1*01:02 e DQA1*01 mostraram associação de resistência para LTA e suscetibilidade para PF; o alelo DRB1*04:02 de resistência para LTA e suscetibilidade para PV; os alelos DRB1*07:01 e *11:01 de suscetibilidade para LTA e resistência para PF; e o DQA1*01:02 mostrou associação de suscetibilidade a ambos LTA e PF. Conclusões: os pacientes com LTA têm resposta humoral às Dsg 1 e 3, e os pacientes com pênfigo, aos antígenos de L. (V.) braziliensis e de T. cruzi semelhante aos controles. Os soros de pacientes com pênfigos reconhecem peptídeos da epiderme e da zona da membrana basal por IB e IFI. Os demais peptídeos reconhecidos pelos pacientes com LTA ao extrato epidérmico, assim como dos pacientes com pênfigos ao extrato de L. (V.) braziliensis necessitam sequenciamento. As associações de suscetibilidade ou resistência dos alelos HLA de classe II -DR e -DQ são opostas para LTA e pênfigo. Os resultados confirmam a não participação do parasito L. (V.) braziliensis na patogênese dos pênfigos, assim como corroboram a observação clínica da ausência da associação de ambas as doenças na região do estudo / Pemphigus is an autoimmune bullous dermatosis, endemic in some areas, such as in the northeastern of São Paulo state, characterized by the production of autoantibodies against desmoglein (Dsg) - keratinocytes adhesion proteins. Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) affects mucous membranes and skin, by the production of anti-Dsg 3 and 1, respectively. Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) affects only the skin, by the production of anti-Dsg 1. This region is also endemic for American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL), whose main etiological factor is Leishmania (V.) braziliensis. Objectives: To relate immunogenetic factors of pemphigus with those of ACL, investigating, in patients with pemphigus, ACL and controls: the humoral response to Dsg 1 and 3; the humoral and cellular responses to Leishmania antigens; and the association of class II -DR and -DQ HLA alleles in ACL group with those of susceptibility and resistance described in pemphigus. Methods: The humoral response was investigated by (i) ELISA for determination of anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 antibodies and anti-antibodies from T. cruzi and L. braziliensis; (ii) immunoblotting (IB) with protein extract of the epidermis and protein extract of L. braziliensis; (iii) indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) with human skin substrate and serum of ACL patients. The cellular response was carried out by intradermal test Montenegro (ITM). The typing of HLA-DQ and -DR alleles was performed by PCR-SSOP. Results: The humoral response to Dsg confirmed expected in groups of PV and PF (anti-Dsg1: 84.6% in the PF group and 54.8% in the PV group, and anti-Dsg3: 83.9% in PV), with no significant difference between the ACL and control groups [anti-Dsg1: 16% in relatives of PF (RPF), 5.2% in the ACL, 4.2% in relatives of PV (RPV) and 2.7% of controls neighbors; anti-Dsg3: 12% in RPF, 6.4% in the PF group and 5.2% in ACL)]. There has been recognition of peptides 130kDa, 145 kDa, 150kDa, 160kDa, 230 kDa, 250 kDa, 290 kDa, 350 kDa, 410 kDa, 425 kDa and 460 kDa of human epidermis by serum of ACL patients. The IFI was positive in 1/6 ACL patients evaluated. The humoral response to L. braziliensis resulted higher in ACL group (73% to ACLc and 62% to ACLm) compared to the other groups, with no significant difference between pemphigus groups (1.3% in the PF group and 1.6% the group PV) and controls (10.8% in neighboring controls and 4% in FPF, in FPV and BS controls). Patients with pemphigus have serological titers to T. cruzi similar to controls. There was L. braziliensis recognition of peptides by the patients with pemphigus (45 kDa, 95 kDa, 100 kDa, 120 kDa, 125 kDa, 145 kDa, 150 kDa, 305 kDa, 330 kDa, 410 kDa and> 500 kDa). The ITM was negative in 06 patients with PF or PV evaluated. The DRB1*01:02 and DQA1*01 showed resistance association for LTA and susceptibility to PF; allele DRB1*04:02 resistance to ACL and susceptibility to PV; the DRB1*07: 01 and *11:01 susceptibility to ACL and resistance to PF; and DQA1*01:02 showed susceptibility association with both ACL and PF. Conclusions: Patients with ACL have humoral response to Dsg 1 and 3, and pemphigus patients to L. braziliensis and T. cruzi antigens similar to controls. The peptides recognized by patients with pemphigus to L. braziliensis extract require sequencing. The susceptibility or resistance associations of class II -DR and -DQ HLA alleles are opposed to ACL and pemphigus. The results confirm the non-participation of the parasite L. (V.) braziliensis in the pathogenesis of pemphigus, as well as support the clinical observation of the absence of both diseases association

Abstract Desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) is an adhesion receptor in desmosomes, but relatively little is known about its role in cancer. In this study, the function of Dsg3 was investigated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines in vitro using locally established human leiomyoma tumor microenvironment (TME) matrices. Since Dsg3 has been identified as a key regulator in cell adhesion, we hypothesized that it may play a role in oral SCC cells adhesion and motility. Thus, one aim of the study was to explore this hypothesis by both gain and loss of function methods in four human buccal mucosa SCC SqCC/Y1 cell lines: transduction of vector control (Ct), full-length (FL) or two different C-terminally truncated Dsg3 mutants (Δ238 and Δ560). Live cell imaging was performed for 2D migration and 3D sandwich, alongside other assays. In 3D sandwich, we tested the effects of the monoclonal antibody, AK23, targeting the extracellular domain of Dsg3 in SqCC/Y1 cells. Our results showed that loss of Dsg3 disrupted cell adhesion and protein expression. In 2D assays, FL and Dsg3 mutants migrated faster with higher accumulated distances than Ct. In contrast with 2D, mutants showed accelerated invasion over the Ct in 3D models. The AK23 antibody inhibited only the invasion of FL cells. The TME in vivo consists of cellular and matrix elements playing a leading role in carcinoma progression. To study carcinoma cells invasion in vitro, mouse Matrigel® and rat type 1 collagen are the most commonly used matrices in 3D models. Since they are non-human in origin, they do not perfectly mimic human TME. To address this, we have developed a solid organotypic myoma disc model derived from human uterus leiomyoma tumor. Here, we introduce a novel Myogel, prepared from leiomyoma similar to Matrigel®. We validated Myogel for cell-TME interactions in 3D models, using SqCC/Y1 and HSC-3 cell lines. Compared with Matrigel® and type I collagen, oral SCC cell lines invaded more efficiently in Myogel containing matrices. This study describes promising 3D models using human TME mimicking Myogel which is suitable to analyze oral SCC cells both in carcinoma monocultures and in co-cultures, such as with TME fibroblasts. We also introduce a possible novel therapeutic target against Dsg3 to suppress cancer cell invasion. / Tiivistelmä Desmogleiini 3 (Dsg3) on desmosomien adheesioreseptori, jonka merkityksestä syövässä tiedetään vähän. Koska Dsg3 on tärkeä epiteelisolujen välisissä liitoksissa, oletimme sillä olevan vaikutusta myös suun karsinoomasolujen tarttumisessa ja niiden liikkuvuudessa. Testasimme hypoteesiamme muuttamalla Dsg3:n toimintaa ihmisen posken karsinoomasolulinjassa SqCC/Y1, josta oli aiemmin valmistettu neljä erilaista muunnosta: tyhjän vektorin sisältävä kontrollisolulinja (Ct), kokopitkää Dsg3 tuottava solulinja (FL), sekä kaksi Dsg3 C-päästä lyhennettyä mutanttisolulinjaa (Δ238 ja Δ560). Immunofluoresenssi-menetelmää käyttäen analysoimme solulinjoissamme solujen välisiä liitoksia. Lisäksi mittasimme solujen liikkeitä 2D-migraatio- ja 3D-sandwich-kokeissa. Testasimme myös Dsg3:n solunulkoista osaa tunnistavan monoklonaalisen vasta-aineen (AK23) vaikutusta solujen invaasioon. Osoitimme, että Dsg3:n rakenteen muuttaminen ja toiminnan estyminen häiritsi solujen tarttumista. 2D-kokeissa sekä FL että mutanttilinjat (Δ238 ja Δ560) migroivat kontrollisoluja nopeammin ja pidemmälle, mutta 3D-kokeissa vain mutanttilinjat invasoituivat kontrollisoluja tehokkaammin. AK23-vasta-aine esti vain FL-solujen invaasiota. Syöpäsolujen 3D-invaasiota mittaavissa kokeissa käytetään yleensä hiiren kasvaimesta valmistettua kaupallista Matrigeeliä® tai rotan kudoksista eristettyä tyypin I kollageenia. Tutkimusryhmämme on jo aiemmin kehittänyt organotyyppisen myoomamallin, jossa valmistamme myoomakudosnapit ihmisen kohdun leiomyoomakasvaimista. Tässä työssä valmistimme leiomyoomasta Myogeelia, vertasimme sitä Matrigeeliin®, sekä tutkimme tarkemmin Myogeeli-valmisteen soveltuvuutta 3D-tutkimuksiin. Totesimme, että kielen (HSC-3) ja posken (SqCC/Y1) karsinoomasolut invasoituivat tehokkaimmin Myogeeli-pitoisissa matrikseissa kuin Matrigeeliä® tai kollageeniä sisältävissä kasvatusalustoissa. Tutkimustulostemme perusteella Myogeeli-pohjaiset 3D-mallit soveltuvat hyvin sekä syöpäsolulinjojen invaasiotutkimuksiin että yhteisviljelmiin, joissa syöpäsoluja viljellään yhdessä syöpäkasvaimen ympärillä olevien solujen, kuten fibroblastien, kanssa.

Le pemphigus est une maladie bulleuse auto-immune sévère causée par des auto- anticorps (Ac) ciblant la desmogléine (Dsg) 1 et/ou 3, principalement de la sous-classe IgG4. Certains Ac non spécifiques à la Dsg ont été décrits, comme la desmocolline 3 (Dsc3), mais leur pertinence est peu connue. Suite à l’étude RITUX3 en 2017, le traitement de première intention du pemphigus est le rituximab (RTX). Ce projet comprend trois volets qui s’inscrivent dans la caractérisation immunologique des patients inclus dans l’étude RITUX3, visant à mieux comprendre la pathogénèse et la prise en charge du pemphigus. Nous avons d’abord étudié la diversité isotypique des Ac anti-Dsg3. Nous avons démontré qu’un nombre d’isotypes plus élevé mène à un risque de rechute, particulièrement l’IgG3 anti-Dsg3 qui était détecté chez 71% des rechuteurs, comparativement à 12% des patients en rémission complète. Ensuite, nous avons étudié la prévalence et la pathogénicité in vitro des Ac anti-Dsc3. Ils étaient détectés chez 21% des patients, soit significativement plus qu’une population de donneurs sains. L’isotype principal était l’IgA, et leur pathogénicité in vitro a été démontrée à partir de sérums de patients et de souris immunisées. La présence de ces Ac permettait d’expliquer une bonne proportion des cas de discordance entre le profil sérologique d’anti-Dsg et le phénotype clinique des patients. Finalement, nous avons étudié la prévalence d’Ac anti-rituximab (ARA) chez les patients traités par RTX. Ils étaient détectés chez 31% des patients, mais n’affectaient pas l’atteinte d’une rémission complète et ne seraient pas une contre-indication à des perfusions subséquentes. Par contre, un petit groupe de patients qui présentaient des ARA fonctionnels étaient à risque de rechute. / Pemphigus is a severe auto-immune blistering disease caused by auto-antibodies (Abs) targeting desmoglein (Dsg) 1 and/or 3, mainly of the IgG4 subclass. Several Abs non-specific to the Dsg have been described, including desmocollin (Dsc) 3, but their relevance is not well known. Since the RITUX3 clinical trial in 2017, rituximab (RTX) is recommended as the first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe pemphigus. This project consists of three parts with the main goal of immunologically characterizing patients who were included in the RITUX3 trial, to allow a better understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of pemphigus. First, we studied the diversity of IgG anti-Dsg3 subclasses. A higher number of subclasses was associated with a significant risk of relapse, especially with IgG3 anti-Dsg3 detected in 71% of relapsing patients, compared to 12% of patients in complete remission. Then, we studied the prevalence and pathogenicity of anti-Dsc3 Abs. They were detected in 21% of patients, significantly more than healthy donors. The main isotype was IgA, and their in vitro pathogenicity was demonstrated with sera from patients and immunized mice. Their presence explained a good proportion of cases who presented discrepancies between the clinical phenotype and the serological profile of anti-Dsg Abs. Finally, we studied the prevalence of anti-RTX Abs (ARA) in patients treated with RTX. They were detected in 31% of patients but did not affect the rate of complete remission and are not a contra-indication to receive subsequent perfusions. However, a small group of patients who presented functional ARA were at risk of relapse.