Gougerot–Hailey–Hailey disease: a case study associated with proven dysregulation of the immune response

Abstract

The paper presents a description of a clinical case of Gougerot–Hailey–Hailey disease with proven dysregulation of the immune response. The disease, also known as chronic benign familial pemphigus, is a rare genetic disorder that causes bullous skin lesions with intraepidermal localization. It is named after the authors who first described it. In most cases, Gougerot–Hailey–Hailey disease is caused by a mutation in the ATP2C1 gene that disrupts calcium regulation. Calcium accumulation alters normal intercellular adhesion in the skin, resulting in characteristic bullous skin lesions. Gougerot–Hailey–Hailey disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. The frequency of distribution in the population is 1:50000 people. However, the variety of clinical phenotypes of the disease without a proven hereditary predisposition and the absence of a mutation in this gene allows us to assert the presence of other pathogenic factors, in particular, disorders in the immune system. In the clinical case we are describing, no clear genetic predisposition was revealed, but serious disorders in the immune system were detected. In particular, TNK cells are virtually non-existent. Analysis of subpopulations of natural killer cells indicates a decrease in the relative and absolute numbers of NK cells expressing CD16 and CD56 antigens, NK cells with high cytolytic activity, NK cells expressing the α chain of the CD8 antigen and having the ability to repeatedly perform their cytolytic function. When assessing B cell subpopulations, there is an increase in the relative content of B2 cells and B1 cells associated with production of autoantibodies, in parallel with an increase in the percentage of regulatory T helper cells with immunosuppressive function. Based on the identified changes in the immune system, we performed immunomodulatory therapy: discrete plasmapheresis, 5 procedures in 2 days, then intravenous drip injection of normal human immunoglobulin 25 mL (50 μg/mL) in 3 days, 5 infusions. The dynamics of cutaneous manifestations indicates a moderate positive effect. Obviously, further in-depth study of immune parameters in Gugerout-Haley-Haley disease, presumably in the innate immune system, is required. Probably, success in treatment and achievement of stable remission will be possible with the rational selection of anticytokine therapy.