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GZMK⁺CD8⁺ T Cells Induce Acinar Cell Senescence and Salivary Secretion Impairment in Sjögren's Syndrome via Mitochondrial Dysfunction and TMEM16A Chloride Channel Disruption.

International journal of biological sciences · Chai M, Xie Y, Cong X, Ding C, Wei P, Zhou P, Li B, Hua H · 2026-10-02

Researchers found that specific immune cells (GZMK⁺CD8⁺ T cells) damage salivary gland cells in Sjögren's syndrome by causing ageing and dysfunction through oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and disruption of chloride channels required for saliva production.

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