Co-Morbidities in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: Underlying Immunological Mechanisms

Patients with chronic autoimmune disorders, including Sjögren’s syndrome, are at increased risk for several co-morbidities including: (i) accelerated atherosclerosis; (ii) psychological disturbances and (iii) fatigue. In particular, patients with Sjögren’s syndrome have the highest susceptibility for lymphoma development amongst all autoimmune diseases. Although several genetic factors and chronic inflammation have been proposed as major contributors of autoimmune-related atherogenesis and lymphomagenesis, the underlying biology remains poorly understood. Furthermore, psychopathological issues in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome are increasingly recognized. However the spectrum and underlying mechanisms of these issues also remain to be elucidated.

This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current issues in Sjogren’s syndrome related co-morbidities with a particular emphasis on the immunological mechanisms underlying sub-clinical atherosclerosis, fatigue and other psychological issues as well as lymphoma development. We welcome the submission of Review, Mini-Review and Original Research articles that cover, but are not limited to the following topics:

1. Biomarkers of subclinical atherosclerosis in Sjögren’s syndrome including genetic alterations related to the activation of inflammatory pathways; soluble mediators and gene expression data of IL-1, interferon and B-cell activation pathways in both clinical and experimental settings.
2. The role of pro-inflammatory cytokine networks in the generation of fatigue, depression and sleep disturbances amongst Sjögren’s syndrome patients.
3. Genetic and epigenetic aberrations leading to Sjögren’s syndrome related lymphomas.