New Target for Sjögren Syndrome

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Medscape Medical News

New Target for Sjögren Syndrome

Warner, Medical Writer

Oct. 7, 2002 - The discovery of a protein that triggers Sjögren syndrome

in mice is now providing valuable clues into this autoimmune disorder.

Researchers say they've already tested a vaccine that, at least in mice,

stops the body's attack on its moisture-producing glands. There are

currently no effective treatments for the disease.

In a study published in the Oct. 5 issue of The Lancet, researchers say

they've identified a protein, known as ICA69, that plays a vital role in

the development of Sjögren syndrome. By removing the gene that produces

this protein in mice, researchers were able to prevent the disease from

developing in the tear glands and substantially limit the disease in the

salivary glands.

In addition, the researchers say a prototype vaccine was able to stop

the disease from progressing in mice that already had Sjögren syndrome.

" Our vaccine was able to stop Sjögren syndrome even after the disease

had fully developed, an unusual finding, since in other autoimmune

disorders it is impossible so far to stop and reverse the disease

process once it is fully established, " says researcher Dosch,

MD, senior scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto,

Ontario, in a news release.

" This finding is also exciting because it opens the door to further

knowledge about treating selective organ autoimmune diseases, including

the possibility of vaccines, " says Dosch.

Researchers say they are planning a study involving at least 100

patients with Sjögren syndrome to learn more about the link between this

protein and the immune system in preparation for potential clinical

trials of the vaccine.

Lancet. 2002;360(9339):000-000

Reviewed by W. , MD