Mechanisms of epithelial damage: are there parallels between bullous skin diseases and asthma?

Over the last few years evidence has accumulated documenting the incidence of basement membrane zone (BMZ) autoantibodies in blistering skin disorders such as bullous pemphigus [1], cicatricial pemphigoid [2], linear IgA disease of adults (LAD) and chronic bullous disease of childhood (CBDC) [3,4]. Regarding their underlying aetiology and histopathology, these conditions appear to bear some resemblance to asthma. For example, parallels which may be drawn between bullous skin disorders and asthma include epithelial shedding and the presence of inflammatory cell infiltrate, especially eosinophils.