The skin basement membrane zone.

The basement membrane zone of skin is a complex, highly compartmentalized structure composed of many distinct antigens. As illustrated in epidermolysis bullosa, alteration in one or more of these antigens may result in abnormal integrity of the dermoepidermal junction, leading to increased mechanical fragility and blister formation. In addition, autoimmunization to basement membrane components, as in the case of bullous pemphigoid and EBA antigens, may result in the development of selected bullous diseases. To date, little is known about the functions and interactions of the antigens identified within human skin basement membrane. It is likely that future studies will provide not only these answers but also additional insight into other diseases associated with basement membrane involvement.