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Sjögren's syndrome and virus
1Service d'Immuno-Hématologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris.
Annales De Medecine Interne
|January 1, 1995
Summary
This review examines the conflicting evidence regarding viral roles in Sjögren
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder primarily affecting exocrine glands.
- The potential role of viral infections in SS pathogenesis remains a subject of ongoing research and debate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss the conflicting findings concerning viral involvement in Sjögren's syndrome.
- To evaluate the evidence for specific viruses implicated in the pathogenesis of SS.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on viral detection in Sjögren's syndrome.
- Analysis of studies using techniques like in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction.
- Evaluation of serological data and its limitations.
Main Results:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been detected in labial salivary glands (LSG) of SS patients.
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been suspected, but serological results may be confounded by false positives.
- Evidence suggests potential involvement of retroviruses, including human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), in LSG.
Conclusions:
- The exact viral etiology of Sjögren's syndrome is not definitively established.
- Conflicting data necessitates further rigorous investigation into the role of viruses like EBV, HCV, and retroviruses.
- Understanding viral contributions is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies for SS.