New Targets and Approaches to Autoimmune-induced Salivary Hypofunction

The pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases is multifaceted, and the complexity of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options associated with these diseases reflects this. Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder affecting up to 4 million Americans, and results from autoimmune reactions in secretory glands (primary SS) and other tissues (secondary SS). Current treatment options for SS are aimed largely at amelioration of symptoms, but without functional restoration in the secretory glands. Prescribed medications for salivary hypo-function or xerostomia are often associated with severe side effects, typically due to the effects of systemically administered muscarinic cholinergic receptor agonistis. This book presents research on novel agents for treatment of autoimmune disorders.