Mucous membrane pemphigoid (Q43780)

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) encompasses a heterogeneous group of mucous membrane-dominated autoimmune diseases in which autoantibodies to antigens of the basement membrane zone (BMZ) of mucous membranes and the skin result in subepithelial blistering. MMP may be limited to the conjunctivae (ocular pemphigoid) or to the oral cavity (oral pemphigoid). When the skin is involved, it is generally less extensive and less migratory than in bullous pemphigoid. MMP follows a chronic course and may lead to severe scarring with the attendant risks of loss of vision and oesophageal strictures.