A groundbreaking study published in the esteemed journal Nature has unveiled a surprising culprit behind chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps: a specific type of immune cell previously considered a vital defender.
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 key driver of persistent inflammation and tissue damage in patients.
\"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 highlighted that unlike traditional cells that release Granzyme B, these memory CD8+ T cells secrete Granzyme K. \"This granzyme bypasses the need for antibodies to activate the body's defense system. However, instead of protecting, Granzyme K intensifies tissue damage and inflammation, worsening the condition,\" he said.
Chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps affect millions worldwide, causing debilitating symptoms like nasal congestion, loss of smell, and headaches. While current treatments offer temporary relief, many patients experience recurrent episodes, impacting their quality of life.
The discovery of GZMK's role opens new avenues for treatment. Experimental models demonstrated that inhibiting GZMK significantly reduced inflammation, suggesting it as a promising new drug target.
\"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 research team's findings offer hope for more effective therapies, aiming to improve outcomes for patients suffering from these chronic conditions.
Gong Zhe contributed to this story.
Reference(s):
Scientists find immune cells fueling chronic sinus infections
cgtn.com
