18th February 2024

A 68-year-old male presents with a blistering rash along his trunk and arms

A 68-year-old male presents with a blistering rash along his trunk and arms. These are flaccid and rupture easily, leaving erosions on his body when they heal. He also notes blisters forming along the surface of his buccal mucosa and palate. Examination reveals Nikolsky’s sign was positive. Histology of a skin biopsy taken across a blister shows acantholysis with retained keratinocytes along the basement membrane.

Given the likely diagnosis, autoantibodies against which protein is responsible for the pathogenesis of the condition?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.