Chronic Epstein-Barr virus infection: A potential junction between primary Sjögren’s syndrome and lymphoma

•EBV infection increases the risk of autoimmune disease and lymphoma.•Infection with EBV contributes to the pathophysiology of pSS.•Mechanisms of EBV infection cause an increased risk of lymphoma in individuals with pSS. Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease that targets exocrine glands, leading to exocrine dysfunction. Due to its propensity to infect epithelial and B cells, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is hypothesized to be related with pSS. Through molecular mimicry, the synthesis of specific antigens, and the release of inflammatory cytokines, EBV contributes to the development of pSS. Lymphoma is the most lethal outcome of EBV infection and the development of pSS. As a population-wide virus, EBV has had a significant role in the development of lymphoma in people with pSS. In the review, we will discuss the possible causes of the disease.