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Editorial
. 2011;13(6):137.
doi: 10.1186/ar3518. Epub 2011 Dec 19.

IL-21 and Sjögren's syndrome

R Hal Scofield
Editorial

IL-21 and Sjögren's syndrome

R Hal Scofield. Arthritis Res Ther. 2011.

Abstract

Treatment of Sjögren's syndrome is almost entirely symptomatic. A lack of true understanding of the underlying immunological pathology of the disease prevents directed therapy. Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is elevated in the serum of patients with this disease and is expressed by the lymphocytes infiltrating the salivary glands. The known functions of IL-21 in facilitating differentiation, proliferation, and survival of both B and T cells mesh well with the findings in Sjögren's syndrome. Demonstration of IL-21 as a fundamental aspect of the pathophysiology of Sjögren's syndrome could lead to the development of anti-IL-21 therapy for this disease.

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