Sex differences in Sjögren's syndrome: A comprehensive review of immune mechanisms

Jessica E. Brandt, Roberta Priori, Guido Valesini, Delisa Fairweather

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

Abstract

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are estimated to affect between 5 and 8 % of the US population, and approximately 80 % of these patients are women. Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an AD that occurs predominately in women over men (16:1). The hallmark characteristic of SS is diminished secretory production from the primary exocrine gland and the lacrimal or salivary glands resulting in symptoms of dry eye and mouth. The disease is believed to be mediated by an inflammatory and autoantibody response directed against salivary and lacrimal gland tissues. This review will examine the literature on sex differences in the immune response of patients and animal models of Sjögren's syndrome in order to gain a better understanding of disease pathogenesis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number37
JournalBiology of Sex Differences
Volume6
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 3 2015

Keywords

  • Autoantibodies
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Inflammation
  • Lymphoma
  • Sex differences
  • Sjögren's syndrome

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gender Studies
  • Endocrinology

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