Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune disease with a possible fatality
of the skin and mucosae which is induced by an antibody against
desmoglein 3 (Dsg3). Persistent production of anti-Dsg3 IgG can be
induced by adoptively transferring spleen cells of a DSG3-/- mouse
immunized with rDsg3 into an RAG2-/- immunodeficient mouse expressing
Dsg3 protein. This IgG in the blood binds to the Dsg3 protein in vivo,
induces the breakage of intercellular adhesion of keratinocytes and thus
brings about the phenotype of pemphigus vulgaris involving the formation
of blisters in the oral mucosa and the disappearance of resting hair.
These effects are sustained over 6 months. By using this method, active
disease model animals relating to various autoimmune diseases can be
constructed.