[Immune complexes in dermatology today. A critical inventory]

Abstract

The kinetics and various localizations of immune complex deposits in the skin are briefly described with special reference to clinical and experimental immune complex dermatoses. The complexes can localize in various areas of the skin of dermatoses and of experimentally induced lesions. The difference between transient and persistent immune complex dermatoses might provide an immune clue for the study of the kinetics and the biologic activity of immune complexes in the skin. Future research will focus on the detection of antigen, the enhanced elimination of immune complexes from skin or other organs and the regulation of inflammatory reactions.