IL-21 and Sjögren's syndrome.
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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D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007378:Interleukins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*
D007378:Interleukins