The Role of Regulatory T Cells in the Onset and Progression of Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome

Abstract

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a key role in maintaining immune balance and regulating the loss of self-tolerance mechanisms in various autoimmune diseases, including primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). With the development of pSS primarily in the exocrine glands, lymphocytic infiltration occurs in the early stages, mainly due to activated CD4+ T cells. Subsequently, in the absence of rational therapy, patients develop ectopic lymphoid structures and lymphomas. While the suppression of autoactivated CD4+ T cells is involved in the pathological process, the main role belongs to Tregs, making them a target for research and possible regenerative therapy. However, the available information about their role in the onset and progression of this disease seems unsystematized and, in certain aspects, controversial. In our review, we aimed to organize the data on the role of Tregs in the pathogenesis of pSS, as well as to discuss possible strategies of cell therapy for this disease. This review provides information on the differentiation, activation, and suppressive functions of Tregs and the role of the FoxP3 protein in these processes. It also highlights data on various subpopulations of Tregs in pSS, their proportion in the peripheral blood and minor salivary glands of patients as well as their role in the development of ectopic lymphoid structures. Our data emphasize the need for further research on Tregs and highlight their potential use as a cell-based therapy.

Association of Ocular Surface Immune Cells With Dry Eye Signs and Symptoms in the Dry Eye Assessment and Management (DREAM) Study

“… 72 There are numerous studies, including a review article, that report Tregs being higher, similar, and lower in the serum of patients with SS and mouse models as compared to healthy controls. 72 – 94 …”

“…Tregs were significantly positively associated with SS; however, there is still no consensus on the expected role and levels of Tregs in inflammatory conditions such as SS. 58 , 72 , 94 Future research is needed using well-characterized subjects to confirm the role of ocular surface WBCs in the pathogenesis of DED and correlation with severity of DED as measured by symptoms and/or signs.…”

Modulation of Suppressive Activity and Proliferation of Human Regulatory T Cells by Splice-Switching Oligonucleotides Targeting FoxP3 Pre-mRNA

“…In patients with some autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis (MS), Sjögren’s syndrome, psoriasis, etc. ), a decrease in the number of Tregs and/or a lack of their ability to suppress autoactivated lymphocytes was revealed [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. The reasons why these deviations develop are not fully understood.…”

The difficult way in diagnostics of neurological manifestations of Sjogren's disease. Case report

“…Роль Т-и В-лимфоцитов в патогенезе БШ делает их основной мишенью для терапии [15]. Существует возможность применения специфической иммунотерапии нового поколения на основе действия регуляторных Т-лимфоцитов.…”

“…Существует возможность применения специфической иммунотерапии нового поколения на основе действия регуляторных Т-лимфоцитов. Успешное и перспективное применение этих клеток в терапии других аутоиммунных заболеваний позволяет рассматривать их в качестве мер лечения пациентов с БШ [15].…”