SS is an autoimmune condition characterized by exocrine gland destruction, autoantibody production, immune complex deposition and systemic complications associated with lymphocytic infiltration of many organs. Genetic, environmental and viral factors play a role in disease aetiology, however, the exact mechanisms driving the immunopathogenesis of SS remain uncertain. Here we discuss a role for B cell activating factor (BAFF), whereby B cell hyperactivity and increased BAFF secretion observed in patients and animal models of the disease can be explained by the altered expression of cell-specific BAFF/BAFF receptor (BAFF-R) variants in several immune cell types. Understanding the role of BAFF/BAFF-R heterogeneity in SS pathogenesis could help to facilitate new treatment strategies for patients.
Keywords: B cell activating factor (BAFF); BAFF receptor; Sjögren’s syndrome.
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