A pathogenetic role for IL-21 in primary Sjogren syndrome

作者:Kwok Seung Ki; Lee Jennifer; Yu Di; Kang Kwi Young; Cho Mi La; Kim Hae Rim; Ju Ji Hyeon; Lee Sang Heon; Park Sung Hwan; Kim Ho Youn*
来源:Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 2015, 11(6): 368-374.
DOI:10.1038/nrrheum.2014.225

摘要

Advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of primary Sjogren syndrome (pSS) characterize it as a highly complex process encompassing both the initiation of innate immunity and subsequent adaptive immune responses. IL-21 is receiving attention as a potential key player in the pathogenesis of pSS owing to its pleiotropic effects on the type I interferon signalling pathway, and newly identified roles in generation of follicular and IL-17-producing subtypes of helper T cells, as well as plasma-cell differentiation and B-cell activation. Taking into consideration the diverse biological functions of IL-21 and its clinical relevance to pSS, we propose that this cytokine has a central role in orchestrating the complex immune response in pSS. This hypothesis might provide new insight into the pathogenesis of pSS and facilitate the development of effective therapeutic strategies.