| Summary: | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Although described by Hippocrates in 400 B.C., pemphigus disease still needs a safe therapeutical approach, given that the currently used therapies (i.e. corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs) often provoke collateral effects. Here we present preliminary data on the possible use of a proteomics derived desmoglein peptide which appears promising in halting disease progression without adverse effects.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The low-similarity Dsg3<sub>49–60</sub>REWVKFAKPCRE peptide was topically applied for 1 wk onto a lesion in a patient with a late-stage Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) complicated by diabetes and cataract disease. The peptide was applied as an adjuvant in combination with the standard corticosteroid-based immunosuppressive treatment.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>After 1 wk, the treated PV eroded lesion appeared dimensionally reduced and with an increased rate of re-epithelization when compared to adjacent non-treated lesions. Short-term benefits were: decrease of anti-Dsg antibody titer and reduction of the corticosteroid dosage. Long-term benefits: after two years following the unique 1-wk topical treatment, the decrease of anti-Dsg antibody titer persists. The patient is still at the low cortisone dosage. Adverse effects: no adverse effect could be monitored.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>With the limits inherent to any preliminary study, this case report indicates that topical treatment with Dsg3<sub>49–60</sub>REWVKFAKPCRE peptide may represent a feasible first step in the search for a simple, effective and safe treatment of PV.</p>
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