Increased CCL25 and T Helper Cells Expressing CCR9 in the Salivary Glands of Patients With Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: Potential New Axis in Lymphoid Neogenesis

Abstract

Enhanced expression of CCL25 in LSGs of patients with primary SS can facilitate attraction of CCR9+ T helper cells, and these cells secrete high levels of proinflammatory cytokines when triggered with antigen or IL-7. The observed associations with B cell hyperactivity, autoimmunity, and markers of lymphoid neogenesis indicate that the CCL25/CCR9 axis plays a significant role in the immunopathology of primary SS, suggesting that this axis could represent a novel therapeutic target for the disease.