Pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune blistering disease of the skin and mucous membranes with characteristic lesions that are scaly, crusted erosions, often on an erythematous base. No clinically apparent mucosal involvement is present even with widespread disease.

If there is an autoimmune IgG buildup in the epidermis, then nearly almost all of the antibodies are aimed against Desmoglein 1

Desmoglein 1

Desmoglein 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DSG1 gene.-Interactions:Desmoglein 1 has been shown to interact with PKP3 and PKP2.-Further reading:...

. The effect of the antibodies and the immunological pathway is most likely either of three mechanisms:

• Steric hindrance of the Desmoglein 1. The antibody caps off the site for intracellular binding to another keratinocyte.
• Activation of a endocytic pathway. The antibody activates a pathway which causes a internationalization of Desmogleïn 1 which in turn causes a loss of adhesion.
• Disruption of function. In this case the antibody blocks the Desmoglein 1 from being formed into a desmosome. This in turn causes a loss of adhesion with acantholysis as a result.