A groundbreaking study published in the scientific journal Nature has unveiled that a specific type of immune cell, once thought to be a crucial defender, acts as a \"rouge\" element, exacerbating chronic sinus infections and nasal polyps through persistent inflammation and tissue damage.
After nearly a decade of meticulous research, scientists from China's Tsinghua University and Beijing Tongren Hospital have identified Granzyme K (GZMK), a protein secreted by a specialized type of memory CD8+ T cell, as the principal culprit behind this phenomenon.
\"White blood cells can be seen as the body's defense army, with T lymphocytes serving as its elite forces,\" explained Dr. Zhang Luo from Beijing Tongren Hospital. \"Among them, memory CD8+ T cells are like specialized commandos.\"
Dr. Zhang elaborated that unlike traditional T cells that release Granzyme B to combat infections, these memory CD8+ T cells secrete Granzyme K. \"Granzyme K bypasses the need for antibodies to activate the body's defense system. However, instead of protecting, it intensifies tissue damage and inflammation, worsening the condition,\" he noted.
Chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps affect millions worldwide, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, loss of smell, and headaches. While existing treatments offer temporary relief, many patients suffer from recurrent episodes, highlighting the need for more effective solutions.
The discovery positions GZMK as a promising new target for drug development. Experimental models demonstrated that inhibiting Granzyme K significantly reduced inflammation, offering hope for long-term relief.
\"In the future, medications designed to target Granzyme K could help control inflammation and reduce recurrence,\" said Professor Qi Hai of Tsinghua University. \"This could potentially revolutionize the treatment landscape for conditions like chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and related allergic diseases.\"
The study not only sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of chronic sinus conditions but also opens avenues for novel therapeutic approaches that could improve the quality of life for countless individuals.
(Gong Zhe contributed to this story.)
Reference(s):
Scientists find 'rouge' immune cells fueling chronic sinus infections
cgtn.com
