Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) is a systemic autoimmune disease in which an 
immunological attack against the salivary and lacrimal glands results, 
respectively, in severe dry mouth and dry eye diseases. Although a CD4+ T 
lymphocyte population is an integral component in the pathogenesis of SjS, 
recent studies have focused on the importance the B lymphocyte plays in both the 
pre-clinical and clinical phases of the disease process. To understand the 
molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in SjS, numerous mouse models that 
mimic major clinical manifestations of the human disease have been developed. 
Studies have begun to define the genetics, the nature of the autoimmune response 
towards the salivary and lacrimal glands, as well as the possible mechanisms for 
effecting glandular dysfunction, thereby establishing insights to new 
intervention therapies. Not surprising, the B cell is taking center stage. Here, 
we present an in-depth discussion of how B cell populations may be involved in 
orchestrating or determining exocrine gland dysfunction.