CD226+ B-Cells Linked to Sjögren’s Syndrome Severity

A new study has found that a type of immune cell, known as a B-cell, expressing the protein CD226 may play a crucial role in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). People with this condition had more CD226-positive B-cells in their blood than healthy individuals, and the higher their levels, the worse their symptoms and disease activity.

Sjögren’s syndrome occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that produce tears and saliva, resulting in dry eyes and a dry mouth.

In this study, CD226+ B-cells were associated not only with these hallmark symptoms but also with fatigue, joint pain, and lung involvement.

These cells also produced more inflammatory signals and antibodies than other B-cells, suggesting they may drive ongoing immune system attacks.

Importantly, researchers found that CD226+ B-cells were also present in the salivary glands of individuals with Sjögren disease, and in laboratory models, they demonstrated activity in pathways known to fuel autoimmune disease.

The results suggest these cells could serve as a biomarker (a measurable indicator of disease activity) and a potential target for new treatments.

More research is needed, but this discovery could open new paths toward therapies that modify the disease rather than just treat symptoms. 

Citation

Zhao, P., Song, S., Zhang, S., Peng, C., Cheng, W., Chang, X., Xie, C., Hu, Z., & Liu, C. (2025). CD226⁺ B cells in primary Sjögren’s syndrome: a key player in clinical manifestations and disease pathogenesis. Frontiers in immunology, 16, 1623774. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1623774