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Jean-Claude Bystryn, M.D., passed away on 19 August, 2010. Dr. Bystryn's research interests encompassed a large group of dermatologic conditions. He has earned a worldwide recognition for his innovative works on autoimmune blistering diseases, melanoma and alopecia areata. The most significant impact Dr. Bystryn's research has made is on our understanding of the mechanisms of epidermal cell detachment (acantholysis) in pemphigus and development of adequate treatment. During the last decade, he chaired the Medical Advisory Board of the International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation. Dr. Bystryn was an innovative physician-scientist whose scientific contributions will be long recalled and admired both by patients and colleagues.