Achaete-scute complex homologue 2 accelerates the development of Sjögren's syndrome-like disease in the NOD/ShiLtJ mouse

•The Overexpression of Ascl2 increase the infiltration of lymphocyte in salivary and lacrimal glands.•The development of TFH cells and Sjogren's syndrome were accelerated by Ascl2 overexpression.•The level of Ascl2, IL-21 and Bcl6l were higher in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from SS patients compared with those from healthy controls.•Our findings suggest that Ascl2 may play a role in the development and progression of SS and may be a therapeutic target in the treatment of SS.

Achaete-scute complex homologue 2 (Ascl2) has been reported to induce the differentiation and activation of follicular helper T (TFH) cells, which are essential for development of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). This study examined whether Ascl2 plays a role in the development of SS. NOD/ShiLtJ mice were injected with an Ascl2-overexpression vector, and the infiltration of lymphocytes into salivary and lacrimal glands was assessed. The expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemoattractants for T or B cells was measured. The activation of TFH cells was assessed using a specific marker of TFH cells. Ascl2 level was also measured in SS patients. Overexpression of Ascl2 increased the expression of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5) in both salivary and lacrimal glands (p < 0.0001). Overexpression of Ascl2 also increased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemoattractants including interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-8, programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), IL-21, and B-cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl-6). Overexpression of Ascl2 increased the populations of CD4+CXCR5+, CD4+ICOS+, and CD4+PD-1+ cells. The Ascl2 level was higher in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from SS patients compared with those from healthy controls. Our findings suggest that Ascl2 may play a role in the development and progression of SS and may be a therapeutic target in the treatment of SS.