Background: While interferon (IFN) is known for its immunoregulatory properties, it has also been shown to induce autoimmune disorders such as lupusery-thematosus, hypothyroidism, antiphospholipid syndrome and, recently, bullous pemphigus-like eruptions. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the percentage of antibodies against epidermis induced by IFN-α therapy, as detected by indirect immunofluorescence and Western blotting (WB). Method: We have studied the sera of 47 patients treated with low doses of IFN-α2a for malignant melanoma or cutaneous T cell lymphoma for a period of 12 months. These sera were tested by standard IIF and WB. Results: 32% of patient sera were positive after 6 months of treatment. Antibodies against epidennis were most often of the pemphigus type as confirmed by WB. Two types of labeling were noted for anti-basement membrane antibodies: basal cytoplasmic pattern in 4 sera and along the dermal side of the basal keratinocytes in 2 sera. Conclusion: This study brings biological arguments to confirm the direct role of IFN-α in the development of pemphigus-like eruption, and emphasizes the need for clinical follow-up of patients treated with IFN-α over a long period of time.

Keywords:
Interferon-α, Antiskin antibodies, Indirect immunofluorescence, Western blot
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1996 S. Karger AG, Basel
1996
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.