Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

Abnormalities in how mitochondria are “recycled” by cells could contribute to autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, a new study indicates. The study, “IRGM1 links mitochondrial quality control to autoimmunity,” was published in Nature Immunology. Often referred to as the “powerhouse of the cell,” mitochondria are cellular structures that…

Signaling molecules secreted by stem cells in teeth have anti-inflammatory properties that could be useful for the treatment of Sjögren’s syndrome, recent research in mice shows. The findings were published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy, in the study, “Secreted factors from dental pulp stem cells…

A newly established cellular model of the tear gland may be useful for studying Sjögren’s syndrome and other diseases in which the tear glands become damaged, according to researchers. The model was described in a new study, “Exploring the human lacrimal gland using organoids and single-cell…

Use of oral pilocarpine increased salivary flow in people with dry mouth due to primary Sjögren’s syndrome or other health conditions in a small study. However, the medication did not significantly alter dental health or the structure of the salivary glands, as assessed via ultrasound. The study, “…

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) syndrome can be classified based on the extent of organ involvement, fatigue, and pain, with symptoms varying substantially from patient to patient, a new study reports. The study, “Burden of illness among subgroups of patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome and systemic involvement,”…

Interleukin-38, an immune signaling molecule known as IL-38, can reduce the inflammatory activity of a type of immune cells involved in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS), and may be a therapeutic target for this condition, a new study suggests. The study, “Blockade of Th17 response by…

The arginase 1 protein appears to protect from dryness symptoms associated with Sjögren’s syndrome, potentially by lowering gland inflammation and increasing fluid secretion, a new study in mice indicates. The findings suggest this protein — a liver enzyme — as a possible therapeutic target for this condition. The study,…

A Phase 4 clinical trial evaluating Wize Pharma‘s LO2A eye drops as a treatment for dry eye symptoms in people with Sjögren’s syndrome has been completed, the company announced. Results from the trial are expected later this year, though they may be delayed due to the ongoing…

A small RNA molecule may help to drive inflammation in the eyes of people with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS), a new study reports. The findings imply that this molecule, called miR-744-5p, may be a therapeutic target for pSS. The study, “miR-744-5p contributes to ocular inflammation in…

The immune cells that produce self-targeting antibodies in cryoglobulinemia vasculitis (CV), a complication of Sjogren’s syndrome, are characterized by mutations that are known to drive lymphomas, a new study suggests. This finding provides clues as to how autoimmune diseases develop, and could open new avenues for diagnosis…