Keratinocyte intercellular junction components

Keratinocyte intercellular junction components are a specialized group of proteins that form the structural and functional framework of the skin's epidermal barrier. These components are categorized into four main types: desmosomes, adherens junctions, tight junctions, and gap junctions. Desmosomes, which include proteins such as desmoglein 1 and 3, provide the mechanical strength necessary to withstand physical stress, while tight junctions, composed of claudins and occludin, regulate the movement of water and solutes across the epithelium. Dysfunction or autoimmune targeting of these proteins results in significant dermatological pathologies, most notably pemphigus, where autoantibodies against desmogleins cause loss of cell-cell adhesion (acantholysis). Therapeutic interventions typically aim to preserve these junctions by suppressing the immune system or by using targeted biologics to reduce the levels of pathogenic autoantibodies.

Other names

DesmosomeAdherens junctionTight junctionGap junctionEpidermal junctional complexIntercellular junctional proteins