Scientists from Tsinghua University and Beijing Tongren Hospital have unveiled a groundbreaking discovery linking a specific immune cell to chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps. Published in the prestigious journal Nature, their study identifies Granzyme K (GZMK), a protein secreted by a specialized type of memory CD8+ T cell, as a key driver of persistent inflammation in these conditions.
\"White blood cells can be seen as the body's defense army, with T lymphocytes serving as its elite forces,\" explained Dr. Zhang Luo of Beijing Tongren Hospital. \"Among them, memory CD8+ T cells are like specialized commandos. Our research found that instead of releasing Granzyme B like traditional cells, these cells secrete Granzyme K, which bypasses the need for antibodies to activate the body's defense system. However, rather than protecting, Granzyme K intensifies tissue damage and inflammation, worsening the condition.\"
Chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps affect millions worldwide, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, loss of smell, and headaches. While current treatments may offer temporary relief, many patients experience recurrent episodes, highlighting the need for more effective solutions.
The team's nearly decade-long investigation suggests that GZMK is a promising new drug target. Experimental models demonstrated that inhibiting GZMK significantly reduced inflammation, offering a potential pathway to more lasting relief for sufferers.
\"In the future, medications designed to target Granzyme K could help control inflammation and reduce recurrence,\" said Professor Qi Hai of Tsinghua University. \"This discovery has the potential to revolutionize the treatment landscape for conditions like chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and related allergic diseases.\"
This breakthrough not only advances the understanding of immune mechanisms in chronic inflammatory diseases but also showcases the innovative research emerging from China's leading scientific institutions. As the global community continues to grapple with chronic health conditions, such discoveries are crucial in paving the way toward more effective and targeted therapies.
Reference(s):
Scientists find immune cells fueling chronic sinus infections
cgtn.com
