Fig. 7.

Schematic diagram of the proposed mechanisms in SS MSG. The miR-1248 plays a dual role by (1) associating with RIG-I and activating IFN-β synthesis and (2) down-regulating both DAK and ITPR3 expression in a canonical microRNA pathway. Reduction of DAK leads to an increase of IFN-β production, while reduction of ITPR3 impairs SOCE signaling and results in decreased salivary flow. The endogenous level of miR-1248 in acinar cells can be elevated from exogenous miR-1248 transported by the exosomes secreted from infiltrated lymphocytes. ER: endoplasmic reticulum; PLC: phospholipase C. M3R: muscarinic receptor 3.