What condition is characterized by loss of cell-to-cell adhesion in the skin?

Pemphigus vulgaris is characterized by a loss of cell-to-cell adhesion within the epidermis, specifically due to the autoimmune destruction of desmosomes, which are structures that hold skin cells together. This condition leads to the formation of blisters and erosions on the skin and mucous membranes, as the integrity of the skin barrier is compromised. The disruption of adhesion molecules can be linked to antibodies targeting cadherins, which are crucial for maintaining cell-to-cell cohesion.

In contrast, other conditions mentioned do not primarily involve the loss of cell-to-cell adhesion. Dermatitis is a term that encompasses various inflammatory skin conditions but does not specifically focus on adhesion loss. Psoriasis and eczema (or atopic dermatitis) are also inflammatory conditions that involve skin barrier dysfunction and immune responses, yet their pathophysiological mechanisms differ significantly from the autoimmune processes observed in pemphigus vulgaris.