PPL and eosinophilic esophagitis: Mutations conferring substantial risk for EoE have been identified in other plakin family members (e.g., desmoplakin [DSP] and periplakin [PPL]) that form desmosomes and are downregulated in EoE (42), collectively signifying the central role of the epithelial barrier and cytoskeletal organization in upholding the protective function of the esophageal epithelium.