REVIEW PAPER
The role of IL-1 family cytokines in Sjögren’s syndrome
1
School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
Submission date: 2025-11-13
Acceptance date: 2026-08-04
Online publication date: 2026-10-27
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a prevalent autoimmune disorder primarily characterized by xerostomia and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The interleukin-1 (IL-1) cytokine family is implicated in the pathogenesis of SS during its onset and progression. Members of this cytokine family contribute to various pathological pathways in SS by facilitating the aberrant activation of salivary gland epithelial cells, augmenting type 1 immune responses, and modulating Th17 cell differentiation and function. This paper offers a comprehensive review of the historical and recent research advances in research on the mechanisms of action of IL-1 family cytokines in SS, with the objective of providing a theoretical foundation for the clinical diagnosis and management of SS.
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