Role of regulatory T cells in the pathogenesis and therapeutics of primary Sjögren’s syndrome

Abstract

<p>Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the lacrimal and salivary glands, leading to dry mouth and eyes. The global prevalence <a>[A1]</a> of pSS in the world is reported to be 0.1 - 4.8% and characterized by various autoantibodies production and lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands, mainly by CD4⁺ T and B cells. CD4⁺ T cells serve as the main mediators during most stages of the disease by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines, which induces B cell activation, selection and differentiation. Effector B cells in turn give rise to T cell co-stimulation and thus establish a loop of positive feedback. In response to inflammation, regulatory T cells (Treg) elicit suppressive effects on effector T cell survival, maturation and function. Therefore, therapies targeting Treg cells are proposed in the clinical trials of autoimmune diseases, including pSS. In this chapter, we discuss Treg cells and their role in pSS pathogenesis, as well as the future strategies of treating pSS.</p><div><div><div><img alt="Anchor" title="Anchor" align=""><p>World?</p></div></div></div>