In pemphigus foliaceus, the antigenic target is desmoglein 1 (Dsg1), which is expressed at high concentrations in the superficial layers of the epidermis; in pemphigus vulgaris, the mucosal-dominant type antibodies target desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) in basal and parabasal layers of the skin. This evidence concerns the gene DSG3 and pemphigus vulgaris.