Physiopathologie du Sjögren primitif : une épithélite auto-immune

Abstract

Primary Gougerot–Sjögren syndrome (SSp) is characterized by an autoimmune epithelitis associated with chronic inflammation of the exocrine glands. Alterations of and extraglandular functions of SSp is associated with lymphocytic infiltrates that invade the epithelial structures of affected organs. Within epithelial tissue, the expression of major class II histocompatibility complexes (MHC II) and costimulatory molecules by epithelial cells acting as non-professional antigen presenting cells, lead to the activation of T and B lymphocytes through multiple cellular crosstalks. Although the pathogenetic pathways underlying SSp have not yet been elucidated, it is established that glandular epithelial cells are central regulators of the local autoimmune response.