Autoimmune Epithelitis and Chronic Inflammation in Sjogren's Syndrome-Related Dry Eye Disease

Autoimmune epithelitis and chronic inflammation are one of the characteristic features of the immune pathogenesis of Sjogren's syndrome (SS)-related dry eye disease. Autoimmune epithelitis can cause the dysfunction of the excretion of tear fluid and mucin from the lacrimal glands and conjunctival epithelia and meibum from the meibomian glands. The lacrimal gland and conjunctival epithelia express major histocompatibility complex class II or human leukocyte antigen-DR and costimulatory molecules, acting as nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells for T cell and B cell activation in SS. Ocular surface epithelium dysfunction can lead to dry eye disease in SS. Considering the mechanisms underlying SS-related dry eye disease, this review highlights autoimmune epithelitis of the ocular surface, chronic inflammation, and several other molecules in the tear film, cornea, conjunctiva, lacrimal glands, and meibomian glands that represent potential targets in the treatment of SS-related dry eye disease.

Automated summary

Autoimmune epithelitis and chronic inflammation are characteristic features of the immune pathogenesis of Sjogren's syndrome (SS)-related dry eye disease, affecting the secretion of tear fluid and mucin. Dysfunction of ocular surface epithelium can lead to dry eye disease, with potential targets for treatment including various molecules in tear film, cornea, conjunctiva, lacrimal glands, and meibomian glands.