Mucous membrane pemphigoid (cicatricial pemphigoid) predominantly affects mucosae and causes scarring. Which antigen is targeted in the ocular-dominant (Brunsting-Perry) variant?
- A Laminin-332 (epiligrin) — associated with carcinoma risk ✓
- B BP180 (COL17A1) — NC16A domain
- C Desmoglein-3
- D Type VII collagen (COL7A1)
Correct answer: A. Laminin-332 (epiligrin) — associated with carcinoma risk
Explanation
MMP with anti-laminin-332 (anti-epiligrin/anti-alpha3 subunit of laminin-332) antibodies carries the highest risk of occult internal malignancy—particularly adenocarcinomas of lung, stomach and colon—and mandates cancer workup. Laminin-332 is a key component of hemidesmosomes anchoring the epidermis to the dermis. In contrast, anti-BP180-positive MMP is the commonest form and has lower malignancy association. Type VII collagen mutations/autoantibodies cause epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), not MMP.
Reference: Neena Khanna Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & STD, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.