Immunogenetics of drug-induced skin blistering disorders. Part I: Perspective

Bowman, C. and Delrieu, O. (2009) Immunogenetics of drug-induced skin blistering disorders. Part I: Perspective. Pharmacogenomics, 10 (4). pp. 601-621. ISSN 1462-2416 doi: 10.2217/pgs.09.11

Abstract/Summary

The overall immunopathogenesis relevant to a large series of disorders caused by a drug or its associated hyperimmune condition is discussed based upon the examination of the genetics of severe drug-induced bullous skin problems (sporadic idiosyncratic adverse events, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis). An overarching pharmacogenetic schema is proposed. Immune cognition and early-effector processes are focused upon and a challenging synthesis around systems evolution is explained by a variety of projective analogies. Etiology, human leukocyte antigen-B, immune stability, clysiregulation, pharmacomimicry, viruses and an aggressive ethnically differentiated 'karmic' response are discussed.