Curr Opin Immunol. 2026 Jan 9;99:102714. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2025.102714. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Sjögren’s disease (SjD) is a systemic, heterogeneous autoimmune disorder, clinically dominated by dryness symptoms resulting from inflammatory infiltration of exocrine glands. To date, no validated and resolutive therapeutic strategies are available. Stromal cells are increasingly recognized as critical players in SjD pathogenesis. Distinct fibroblast subsets, termed ‘immunofibroblasts’, may contribute to tertiary lymphoid structure development and fibrotic tissue remodeling, while sustaining local immune infiltration, thereby representing potential treatment targets. In parallel, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) may represent a therapeutic tool, due to their immunomodulatory and trophic properties demonstrated in vitro and in animal models. These favorable results have prompted early-phase clinical trials using MSCs, which demonstrated preliminary safety and efficacy on salivary and ocular outcomes. Nonetheless, methodological limitations require cautious interpretation of available data, and further investigation of clinical applications is warranted. Stromal cell biology thus offers both mechanistic insight and therapeutic promise, warranting further investigation in rigorously designed randomized controlled trials.

PMID:41519023 | DOI:10.1016/j.coi.2025.102714