A groundbreaking study published in the prestigious journal Nature has identified a surprising culprit behind chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps—a specialized type of immune cell previously thought to be a key defender in our bodies.
After nearly a decade of meticulous research, scientists from Tsinghua University and Beijing Tongren Hospital discovered that Granzyme K (GZMK), a protein secreted by a unique subset of memory CD8+ T cells, fuels persistent inflammation and tissue damage in patients suffering from chronic sinus 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 from Beijing Tongren Hospital. \"Among them, memory CD8+ T cells are like specialized commandos.\"
Dr. Zhang continued, \"Unlike traditional cells that release Granzyme B, these cells secrete Granzyme K, which 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.\"
Chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps affect millions worldwide, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, loss of smell, and headaches. Current treatments often provide only temporary relief, with many patients experiencing recurrent episodes.
The study highlights GZMK as a promising new drug target. In experimental models, inhibiting GZMK significantly reduced inflammation, offering a potential pathway for more effective treatments.
\"In the future, medications designed to target Granzyme K could help control inflammation and reduce recurrence, potentially revolutionizing the treatment landscape for conditions like chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and related allergic diseases,\" said Professor Qi Hai of Tsinghua University.
This discovery not only deepens our understanding of the immune system but also opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions, bringing hope to countless individuals affected by these chronic conditions.
(Gong Zhe contributed to the story.)
Reference(s):
Scientists find immune cells fueling chronic sinus infections
cgtn.com
