Aike A. Kruize

Discussion The present study demonstrates that LEF/HCQ combination therapy more strongly downregulates systemic IFN-associated protein levels than systemic type I IFN signatures. Surprisingly, changes in ESSDAI scores were robustly associated with changes in IFN-induced proteins MxA and Galectin-9, but not with changes in either IFN-score. Finally, baseline concentrations and early changes in IFN-associated proteins are associated with clinical endpoint responses.

Open AccessArticle by Anneline C. Hinrichs 1,2, Aike A. Kruize 1, Floris P. J. G. Lafeber 1, Helen L. Leavis 1 and Joel A. G. van Roon 1,2,* 1 Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3508 Utrecht, The Netherlands 2 Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3508 Utrecht, The Netherlands * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Int. J. Mol. Sci.

We were unable to identify any serum sncRNAs with differential expression in pSS patients. However, we show that circulating miRNA levels are associated with disease parameters in pSS patients and can be used to distinguish pSS patients with more severe B cell hyperactivity. As several of these miRNAs are implicated in the regulation of B cells, they may play a role in the perpetuation of the disease. Ten sncRNAs were differentially expressed between the groups in the array.