Regulation of Ro52/SSA autoantigen by endoplasmic reticulum stress and ERK1/2-mTOR-autophagy signaling pathway in primary Sjögren disease.

Primary Sjögren disease (pSS) is an autoimmune disease characterized primarily by predominant lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands. While the etiopathogenesis of pSS remains unclear, current therapeutic strategies lack efficacy. In human submandibular gland epithelial cells (HSGECs), endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) induces apoptosis, leading to the cellular redistribution of Ro52/SSA autoantigens, the activation of the immune system, and the production of a large number of autoantibodies. Cells initiate autophagy to resist cellular damage caused by ERS and restore the normal physiological status. The ERK1/2-mTOR-autophagy signaling pathway has been implicated in numerous pathological conditions. In this study, an experimental Sjögren disease (ESS) mouse model was established to evaluate reduced protein levels and altered intracellular distribution of Ro52/SSA autoantigens through modulation of ERS and the ERK1/2-mTOR-autophagy pathway, resulting in diminished autoantibody production and ameliorated ESS symptoms. These findings provide an experimental foundation for therapeutic strategies targeting Ro52/SSA production in pSS.