厦门大学发表最新Nature子刊：揭开干燥综合征发病新机制

Core Viewpoint - The study reveals a significant disruption in the salivary virome of patients with Sjögren's Disease (SjD) and proposes a novel pathogenic mechanism where Vientovirus capsid protein mimics autoantigens, contributing to autoimmunity in SjD [4][7]. Group 1: Research Findings - The research systematically analyzed salivary samples from 35 SjD patients and 25 healthy controls, showing a marked increase in the abundance of Siphoviridae phage family in SjD patients, particularly those with high disease activity [6]. - Various eukaryotic viruses, including Vientovirus, EBV, and Tomato mosaic virus, were found at significantly higher detection rates and abundances in SjD patients compared to controls, indicating a potential link between virome disruption and the pathological progression of SjD [6]. - Vientovirus, a newly discovered circular single-stranded DNA virus, was associated with lacrimal gland dysfunction and elevated levels of anti-SSA/Ro52 autoantibodies, suggesting its role in the disease [6]. Group 2: Mechanism of Action - Sequence alignment analysis indicated that the capsid protein of Vientovirus shares similarities with the hallmark autoantigen SSA/Ro-52 peptide, suggesting a molecular mimicry mechanism that may trigger autoimmune responses [6]. - The research team synthesized Vientovirus mimetic peptides, which induced the production of anti-SSA/Ro-52 antibodies in immunized mice, leading to typical pathological features of SjD, including lacrimal gland tissue damage and local lymphocyte infiltration [6][7]. Group 3: Implications - These findings highlight the unique virome characteristics in SjD and provide a new perspective on the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease, laying the groundwork for future early screening and precision prevention strategies based on virome characteristics [4][6].