Research progress in STAT3/Th17 cells and Sjögren syndrome

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an intracellular signaling factor that plays a critical role in various cellular processes, including the growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune response of cells. Aberrant activation of T helper cell 17 (Th17) is closely associated with the morbidity and progress of various autoimmune diseases. STAT3 participates in the pathogenesis of Sjögren syndrome by inducing excessive proliferation and abnormal differentiation of Th17 cells and affecting lymphocyte infiltration into exocrine glands. Therefore, targeting the STAT3 signaling pathway represents a potential novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of Sjögren syndrome. This review summarizes the research of STAT3 in the pathogenesis and progression of Sjögren syndrome through regulating Th17 cells, focusing on current inhibitors targeting the STAT3 signaling pathway as potential therapeutic targets for Sjögren syndrome.