A groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature has revealed that a specific type of immune cell, once thought to be a vital defender, can actually fuel persistent inflammation and tissue damage in chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps.
After nearly a decade of meticulous research, scientists from Tsinghua University and Beijing Tongren Hospital have identified Granzyme K (GZMK), a protein secreted by a specialized type of memory CD8+ T cell, as a key culprit in exacerbating these conditions.
\"White blood cells are like the body's defense army, and T lymphocytes are its elite forces,\" explained Dr. Zhang Luo from Beijing Tongren Hospital. \"Among them, memory CD8+ T cells act like specialized commandos.\"
Dr. Zhang noted that these particular cells, instead of secreting the conventional Granzyme B, release Granzyme K. \"This protein bypasses the need for antibodies to activate the body's defense system. However, rather than offering protection, Granzyme K intensifies tissue damage and inflammation, worsening the patient's condition,\" he said.
Chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps affect millions of people worldwide, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, loss of smell, and headaches. While current treatments may provide temporary relief, many patients suffer from recurrent episodes that impact their quality of life.
The study's findings suggest that GZMK could be a promising new target for drug development. Experimental models showed that inhibiting GZMK significantly reduced inflammation, opening the door to more effective therapies.
\"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 offers hope for improved treatments that address the underlying causes of inflammation rather than just alleviating symptoms.
Reported by Gong Zhe.
Reference(s):
Scientists find immune cells fueling chronic sinus infections
cgtn.com
