The role of T-lymphocytes in primary Sjögren syndrome

Sjögren syndrome is a disease of the connective tissue with an autoimmune basis in the course of which chronic, progressing inflammatory processes in the lacrimal and salivary glands lead to the impediment of their secretory function, causing dryness of the eyes and the oral cavity; organ symptoms occur much more rarely. We can distinguish between primary and secondary Sjögren syndrome, which occur alongside other autoimmune diseases. Many cells of the immune system are involved in the not yet fully explored pathomechanism of Sjögren syndrome. Beyond doubt, type T lymphocytes play a significant role in the development of Sjögren syndrome, especially in local inflammation (Table I). Besides the cells of the immunological system, cytokines, chemotactic factors and adhesion molecules as well as apoptosis play an important role in the pathomechanism of the development of Sjögren syndrome. Acquiring precise understanding of the role of T lymphocytes is crucial for explaining the pathomechanism of this disease as well as for introducing more targeted and effective methods of therapy, including biological agents.