Belen de Nicolas-Ruanes

Belen de Nicolas-Ruanes


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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BNBelen de Nicolas-Ruanes
Belen de Nicolas-Ruanes
ABAsuncion Ballester-Martinez
Asuncion Ballester-Martinez
EGEmilio Garcia-Mouronte
Emilio Garcia-Mouronte
EBEmilio Berna-Rico
Emilio Berna-Rico
CLCarlos Azcarraga Llobet
Carlos Azcarraga Llobet
Montserrat Fernández-GuarinoMontserrat Fernández-Guarino
Montserrat Fernández-Guarino
Bullous pemphigoid (BP), the most common autoimmune blistering disease, is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies targeting BP180 and BP230 in the basement membrane zone. This leads to the activation of complement-dependent and independent pathways, resulting in proteolytic cleavage at the dermoepidermal junction and an eosinophilic inflammatory response. While numerous drugs have been associated with BP in the literature, causality and pathogenic mechanisms remain elusive in most cases. Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4i), in particular, are the most frequently reported drugs related to BP and, therefore, have been extensively investigated. They can potentially trigger BP through the impaired proteolytic degradation of BP180, combined with immune dysregulation. DPP4i-associated BP can be categorized into true drug-induced BP and drug-triggered BP, with the latter resembling classic BP. Antineoplastic immunotherapy is increasingly associated with BP, with both B and T cells involved. Other drugs, including biologics, diuretics and cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric agents, present weaker evidence and poorly understood pathogenic mechanisms. Further research is needed due to the growing incidence of BP and the increasing identification of new potential triggers.