Advances in current research on the immunopathogenesis of Sjögren’s syndrome and targeted therapeutic strategies

Abstract

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a prevalent systemic autoimmune disease, primarily affecting exocrine glands, characterized by lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration. Patients typically exhibit dry mouth and eyes, with potential involvement of the digestive tract, lungs, and kidneys. In China, SS prevalence ranges from 0.29% to 0.77%, rising to 3.00%-4.00% among the elderly. In Europe, the prevalence is approximately 0.23%. The pathogenesis of SS involves interactions of multiple cells and cytokines, including salivary gland epithelial cells, T-cells, B-cells, dendritic cells, interferon (IFN), interleukin (IL), tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and inflammasomes. Currently, glandular therapy for SS is primarily localised, while treatment for systemic involvement is mainly borrowed from other autoimmune diseases, with no approved targeted drugs yet. Among the targeted therapeutic agents for SS, rituximab, a B-cell targeted therapy, is the most studied and has shown improved salivary efficacy in SS patients with cryoglobulin vasculitis. BAFF inhibitors, CD40 targeting agents, and mesenchymal stem cells have also demonstrated cartain therapeutic effects. For most systemic involvement, glucocorticoids (GCs) are the first-line treatment, while immunosuppressants and biologics serve as second-line options for GCs-tolerant or resistant patients. Although many potential therapeutic targets have been identified, few drugs have been clinically translated. Currently, there is a need to develop relatively safe and effective treatment regimens with minimal adverse effects through comprehensive patient assessment and multidisciplinary collaboration. Future SS drug research will focus on targeted therapies, adverse effects reduction, and multi-drug combinations.

Keywords

• |dry syndrome|immune mechanism|targeted drugs