biomolecules Review Bullous Pemphigoid: Trigger and Predisposing Factors , , Francesco Moro * y , Luca Fania * y, Jo Linda Maria Sinagra, Adele Salemme and Giovanni Di Zenzo First Dermatology Clinic, IDI-IRCCS, Via Dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy;
[email protected] (J.L.M.S.);
[email protected] (A.S.);
[email protected] (G.D.Z.) * Correspondence:
[email protected] (F.M.);
[email protected] (L.F.); Tel.: +39-(342)-802-0004 (F.M.) These authors have equally contributed to the manuscript. y Received: 7 September 2020; Accepted: 8 October 2020; Published: 10 October 2020 Abstract: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most frequent autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease provoked by autoantibodies directed against two hemidesmosomal proteins: BP180 and BP230. Its pathogenesis depends on the interaction between predisposing factors, such as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, comorbidities, aging, and trigger factors. Several trigger factors, such as drugs, thermal or electrical burns, surgical procedures, trauma, ultraviolet irradiation, radiotherapy, chemical preparations, transplants, and infections may induce or exacerbate BP disease. Identification of predisposing and trigger factors can increase the understanding of BP pathogenesis. Furthermore, an accurate anamnesis focused on the recognition of a possible trigger factor can improve prognosis by promptly removing it. Keywords: bullous pemphigoid; autoimmune bullous disease; trigger factors; predisposing factors; etiopathogenesis 1. Introduction Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease, affecting predominantly elderly people. It is characterized by generalized pruritic urticarial plaques and tense subepithelial blisters. BP autoantibodies are directed mainly against two hemidesmosomal proteins, BP180 (also termed type XVII collagen) and BP230, which are components of the dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ) [1].