Review Question - QID 212545

A 64-year-old man presents to his primary care provider after noticing the development of a blistering rash. The patient states that his symptoms began 1 week ago after he noticed a blister develop on the inside of his mouth that eventually ruptured. Over the past several days, he has noticed several more blisters on his torso. The patient denies a fever or any other symptoms. He has a history of high blood pressure, for which he takes hydrochlorothiazide. He is otherwise healthy and denies any recent changes to his medication. Today, the patient’s temperature is 99.0°F (37.2°C), blood pressure is 124/84 mmHg, pulse is 66/min, and respirations are 12/min. On exam, the patient’s mouth is notable for a previously ruptured blister on his left buccal mucosa. On his left flank and anterior abdomen are scattered 10-15-cm bullae that appear flaccid and filled with serous fluid. The lesions are erythematous but there is no surrounding erythema. On manual rubbing of the skin near the lesions, new blisters form within minutes. Which of the following is involved in the pathogenesis of this disease?