Basic research on Sjögren’s Syndrome continues, also in the Netherlands

A recently published thesis by Nienke Roescher from the University of Amsterdam further contributes to the difficult and ongoing search on how to tackle the disease Sjögrenś sydnrome. Although as a rheumatologist I am more into clinical research, the evolving knowledge obtained from basic (laboratory) research is of invaluable importance in guiding the way to find a cure for this disease.

Nienke Roescher concluded her thesis as follows:

The research presented herein summarizes the current knowledge on cytokines and their presence in SS, it identifies immunological targets in mice with an SS-like disease and shows that local gene therapy can be successful for the treatment of the inflammatory salivary gland component of a SS-like disorder in mice. The chance for success of this approach depends on proper timing and should be aimed at the right target.