Sjögren’s Disease, in a primary and associated presentation – the latter being a frequent complication of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and scleroderma – is the second most common autoimmune disease, affecting up to three per cent of the population in developed countries. Ophthalmic involvement is caused by a person’s own immune system attacking the glands that produce tears. Patients suffer severe overwhelming eye discomfort, and the disease can lead to corneal damage thus compromising vision.
We have generated a preclinical model of Sjögren’s Disease that faithfully represents the human condition. This model provides a unique opportunity to define mechanisms of disease with the aim of identifying pathways that can be targeted therapeutically. We are also assessing potential new therapies.
