Sjögren's<unk>  (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect several organ systems. Sjögren's<unk>  is classified into a "primary" form that is a separate entity from other well-defined autoimmune disorders and a "secondary" form that is associated with other well-defined autoimmune conditions, such as SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, progressive systemic sclerosis, and primary biliary cirrhosis. These forms of Sjögren's<unk>  are different in their serologic and histopathologic findings as well as their genetic components. Both genetic and immune factors contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. In the most common presentation of Sjögren's<unk> , lymphocytes infiltrate the lacrimal and salivary glands and impair their function, hence causing the main characteristic symptoms such as dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). CD4+ T-cells are predominant in mild and moderate salivary gland infiltrations, while B cells play the major role in severe lesions. Sjögren's<unk>  may also manifest itself with dryness of skin and other mucosal surfaces or even cause systemic extraglandular disturbances such as arthritis, vasculitis, renal, pulmonary, hematopoietic, and neurologic involvement. In general, a combination of lymphocytic infiltration, B lymphocyte hyperreactivity, production of certain autoantibodies, genes mostly involved in the production of MHC molecules and certain viral infections which are all linked to the pathogenesis of Sjögren's<unk> .
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