Sjogren Syndrome
Sjogren syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to spiral out of control and attack healthy cells. Our organization is dedicated to the advancement of Sjogren syndrome research. With a highly skilled team of researchers and scientists, we diligently strive to pioneer groundbreaking diagnostic tools and therapeutics to effectively manage this debilitating condition. As your reliable partner in Sjogren syndrome research, we offer streamlined and comprehensive solutions to cater to all your scientific research requirements.
Introduction to Sjogren Syndrome
Sjogren syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to spiral out of control and attack healthy cells. When this disease occurs, white blood cells usually attack the glands responsible for making water, such as salivary and tear glands, causing glandular dysfunction and destruction. The condition causes a variety of symptoms, including dry mouth and eyes, as well as systemic manifestations such as fatigue, joint pain, and organ involvement. Sjogren syndrome is relatively rare, with an estimated annual incidence of approximately 7 cases per 100,000 persons.
Pathogenesis of Sjogren Syndrome
The exact cause of Sjogren syndrome remains unknown, but research suggests that a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors contribute to the development of the disease. It is believed that an autoimmune response is triggered, causing the immune system to mistakenly attack the body's moisture-producing glands. This immune dysregulation leads to inflammation and subsequent destruction of the affected glands.
Studies have identified certain genetic markers associated with an increased risk of developing Sjogren syndrome. Variations in genes involved in immune regulation, such as HLA-DR and IL-17, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Sjogren syndrome. Environmental factors, including viral infections like Epstein-Barr virus and hormonal imbalances, have also been proposed as potential triggers for Sjogren syndrome.
Fig.1 Pathogenesis of Sjogren syndrome. (André, et al, 2022)Diagnostics Development of Sjogren Syndrome
Diagnostic criteria for Sjogren syndrome primarily include a combination of symptom assessment, laboratory testing, and imaging examination.
Symptom Assessment
The diagnostic process for Sjogren syndrome includes evaluating the individual symptoms, such as dry eyes, dry mouth, joint pain, and fatigue, in conjunction with their family and medical history.
Laboratory Testing
Blood tests can detect the presence of autoantibodies, such as anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies. Inflammatory markers, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, can indicate the presence of systemic inflammation.
Imaging Examination
Imaging techniques such as salivary gland ultrasound or scintigraphy can also provide further insight into the extent of gland damage and help confirm the diagnosis of Sjogren syndrome.
Therapeutics Development of Sjogren Syndrome
- Targets of Sjogren Syndrome Therapy Development
| Target Name | Description |
|---|---|
| B-cell Hyperactivity and Autoantibodies | B cell activation and the production of autoantibodies are hallmark features of Sjogren syndrome. Therapies targeting B cell overactivity have shown promise in the therapeutics of Sjogren syndrome. For example, B cell depletion with rituximab leads to reduced autoantibody levels and improved salivary gland function and is effective in treating Sjogren syndrome. |
| Inflammatory Cytokines | Inflammation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of Sjogren syndrome. Cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), are key mediators of inflammation in Sjogren syndrome. Targeting these cytokines has shown potential therapeutic benefits. |
- Types of Sjogren Syndrome Therapy Development
- Immunomodulatory Therapy Development
- Small Molecule Therapy Development
Our Services
Given the autoimmune nature of Sjogren Syndrome, immunomodulatory therapies are employed to modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation. These therapies aim to suppress the immune system and prevent further damage to the moisture-producing glands. Examples of immunomodulatory medications used in Sjogren syndrome management include hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants.
Small molecule therapies involve oral drugs that target specific molecular pathways. A study shows the therapeutic potential of the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator fingolimod in a mouse model of Sjogren syndrome. Fingolimod therapeutics reduced glandular inflammation, preserved salivary gland function, and improved systemic manifestations, demonstrating the efficacy of small molecule therapies in Sjogren syndrome.
- Sjogren Syndrome Diagnostic Development Services: For rare diseases such as Sjogren syndrome, our company offers diagnostic development services. We are committed to assisting you in developing advanced diagnostic tools to ensure early identification and accurate diagnosis of Sjogren syndrome.
- Sjogren Syndrome Therapeutic Development Services: Our services extend beyond diagnostics, and we are also committed to the development of novel therapeutics for rare diseases. Our company provides a wide range of services for the development of small molecule drug, cell therapy, gene therapy, therapeutic antibody, therapeutic peptide, and therapeutic protein. We specialize in developing small molecule therapeutics, essential for treating Sjogren syndrome.
- Sjogren Syndrome Animal Model Development Service: To support the preclinical research and development of Sjogren syndrome therapeutics, we offer Sjogren syndrome animal models development services to facilitate your pharmacokinetics study and drug safety evaluation. Our animal models include but are not limited to the following:
- Genetic Models (Aly/Aly mice, Ar KO mice, Id3 KO mice, etc.)
- Induced Models (Ro60_480-494 induced model, M3R induced model, MCMV induced model, etc.)
No matter what stage of research you are at, we can provide you with corresponding research services. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more details and quotation information for related services.
References
- André, Fiona, and Barbara C. Böckle. "Sjögren's syndrome." JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft 20.7 (2022): 980-1002.
- Mavragani, Clio P., and Haralampos M. Moutsopoulos. "Sjögren's syndrome: old and new therapeutic targets." Journal of Autoimmunity 110 (2020): 102364.
- Gao, Yunzhen, et al. "Recent advances in mouse models of Sjögren's syndrome." Frontiers in Immunology 11 (2020): 471903.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.