Introduction
sicca, B cell hyperactivity, pSS, autoimmune disease
DISEASE, PATHOGENESIS, AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE
Primary pSS is a chronic autoimmune disease that is characterized by sicca and mainly involves the exocrine glands, affecting between 0.1% and 0.4% of the population depending on the country [The pathogenesis of pSS is not fully understood, but multiple factors appear to be involved. Among the key steps are the entry of follicular B cells and T cells into exocrine glands, increased cytokine production, B cell hyperactivity and autoantibody production [Cathepsin S is a cysteine protease that is expressed in antigen-presenting cells including macrophages, B cells and dendritic cells [RO5459072 is a covalent, reversible and selective inhibitor of cathepsin S developed for the treatment of autoimmune conditions, including SS [The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of RO5459072 on disease activity and symptoms in patients with pSS. The safety and tolerability of RO5459072 was also assessed in our study population of patients with moderate to severe pSS.