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Pathology · single question

Pemphigus vulgaris is BEST classified as which type of disease process?

  1. Developmental
  2. Autoimmune (IgG antibodies against desmoglein 3 in desmosomes)
  3. Neoplastic
  4. Reactive/inflammatory
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Autoimmune (IgG antibodies against desmoglein 3 in desmosomes)

  • A. Developmental lesions arise from embryological disturbances — PV is acquired, not developmental.
  • B. Correct. Pemphigus vulgaris is an AUTOIMMUNE vesiculobullous disease. IgG autoantibodies target desmoglein 3 (and sometimes desmoglein 1) in desmosomes — the cell-to-cell adhesion proteins between keratinocytes. This causes acantholysis (loss of cell-cell adhesion) and intraepithelial blistering (suprabasilar cleavage). Positive Nikolsky sign.
  • C. Neoplastic processes involve uncontrolled cell proliferation — PV involves immune-mediated cell separation, not neoplasia.
  • D. Reactive/inflammatory lesions arise in response to local irritants — PV is driven by a specific autoimmune mechanism, not local irritation.

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