Virus Infections Play Crucial Roles in the Pathogenesis of Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease especially targeting exocrine glands, such as the salivary and lacrimal glands. A radical therapy for SS based on its etiology has not been established because of the complex pathogenesis of the disease. Several studies have demonstrated a relationship between virus infection and SS pathogenesis. In particular, infection with the Epstein-Barr (EB) virus among others is a potent factor associated with the onset or development of SS. Specifically, virus infection in the target organs of SS triggers or promotes autoreactive responses involving the process of autoantigen formation, antigen-presenting function, or T-cell response. Our review of recent research highlights the crucial roles of virus infection in the pathogenesis of SS and discusses the critical association between virus infection and the etiology of autoimmunity in SS.

Automated summary

Sjogren's syndrome is a complex autoimmune disease with virus infection, particularly Epstein-Barr virus, playing a critical role in its pathogenesis. Virus infection triggers or promotes immune responses leading to the development of Sjogren's syndrome.