Importance of serological tests in diagnosis of autoimmune blistering diseases

Autoimmune blistering diseases are organ-specific autoimmune diseases characterized by autoantibodies against structural proteins that maintain cell-cell (pemphigus diseases) and cell-matrix adhesions (pemphigoid diseases) in the skin and mucous membranes. Over the last few decades, identification of autoantigens and extensive characterization of autoantibodies have improved understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases. In addition, the development of new sensitive and specific immunoassays enabled accurate diagnosis and proper evaluation of disease activity in autoimmune blistering diseases. In this review, we describe practical updates for molecular diagnostic tests for autoimmune blistering diseases and the basis for interpreting the results of the assays.