IL-4 triggers salivary duct dilatation via SHH signaling and exacerbates Sjögren's disease - PubMed
6 hours ago
- #SHH signaling
- #Sjögren's disease
- #IL-4
- IL-4, a cytokine from Th2 cells, promotes salivary duct dilatation in Sjögren's disease (SjD).
- Ductal dilation is linked to periductal lymphocyte infiltration and elevated IL-4 levels.
- IL-4 neutralization in vivo reduces ductal dilation, suggesting a therapeutic target.
- Mechanistically, IL-4 activates the SHH signaling pathway in striated duct epithelial cells.
- This activation upregulates SNAI1 and suppresses Cadherin 1, disrupting interepithelial adhesion.
- The findings highlight IL-4's role in salivary gland dysfunction in SjD.