Possible function of salivary gland epithelial cells as nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells in the development of Sjögren's syndrome.

Abstract

The ability of salivary gland epithelial cells to express HLA-DR antigens, costimulatory molecules, and adhesion molecules and thus to act as nonprofessional APC was suggested. CD80 and CD86 expression of these cells was also suggested to be involved in the activation of Th1 and Th2, respectively.