
The pemphigus Pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigoid Skin: bullous pemphigoid autoimmune skin diseases Immune-mediated disease: overview are mediated by autoantibodies that target antigens within the interkeratinocyte desmosomes (pemphigus) or the basement membrane zone hemidesmosomes (pemphigoid).
A range of laboratory methods may be used to demonstrate the presence of these autoantibodies. These tests have not been used widely in equine pemphigus or pemphigoid diseases and, in those report available, have shown variable sensitivity and specifity.
Autoantibodies may be detected either in situ(within lesional skin biopsies), or circulating with the serum of affected animals.