Anti-epiligrin cicatricial pemphigoid with IgG autoantibodies to the β and γ subunits of laminin 5

Anti-epiligrin cicatricial pemphigoid is an autoimmune subepithelial blistering disorder of mucous membranes and skin. By immunoblot analyses, sera of most patients with anti-epiligrin cicatricial pemphigoid have been shown to react specifically with the α3 chain of laminin 5. We describe the first patient with anti-epiligrin cicatricial pemphigoid in whom circulating IgG autoantibodies directed against the β3 and γ2-chains of laminin 5 were detected. Treatment with oral prednisolone was beneficial in controlling the disease. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;40:637-9.)