Sixteen patients with bullous pemphigoid were examined using direct and indirect immunofluorescent techniques with antisera specific for C1q, C4, C3, C5, C3 proactivator, properdin, fibrinogen, IgA, IgM, IgG and IgE. The results of these studies are consistent with the activation of complement via the classical (antibody–C1q) sequence as well as via the alternate pathway. Fibrinogen and/or fibrin derivatives were demonstrated on the basement membrane of ten of fifteen patients tested and IgE basement membrane staining was found in four individuals.