IL-7 and soluble IL-7R as potential biomarkers for Sjogren's syndrome

 International Immunopharmacology reported, in July 2022, from a study done in China. Here are some of the highlights:

• There is a lack of single marker reflecting systemic activity of primary Sjögren's syndrome. 

• The researchers aimed is to determine the association between interleukin (IL)-7 and primary Sjögren's syndrome. 

• 58 Sjögren’s patients (49 women and nine men) and 30 healthy people were recruited to the study which lasted from 2008 to 2018.

• Levels of the inflammatory molecule IL-7 were higher in the blood of people with Sjögren’s syndrome compared with healthy people.

• A review of literature relating to IL-7 and Sjögren’s revealed  increased IL-7 is linked to inflammatory processes that worsen Sjögren’s syndrome.

• Evidence suggests a IL-7/IL-7R signaling impairment may be implicated in the progression of Sjögren’s. 

• Many inflammatory molecules in the blood of Sjögren’s patients were raised. 

• IL-7 had the strongest link to Sjögren’s syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI), indicating their presence was linked to greater disease activity.

• The salivary glands were the major source of increased IL-7 in primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Conclusion

• IL-7 and soluble IL-7R are potential biomarkers for monitoring SS activity.

• Targeting the IL-7/IL-7R pathway may be a promising therapeutic strategy.

The study Association between IL-7 and primary Sjögren’s syndrome: A single-center study and a systematic scoping review