Beijing, October 10 — In a groundbreaking study published in the prestigious journal Nature, scientists from China's Tsinghua University and Beijing Tongren Hospital have identified a surprising culprit behind chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps: a specialized immune cell that exacerbates inflammation rather than combating it.
After nearly a decade of meticulous research, the team discovered that Granzyme K (GZMK), a protein secreted by a unique type of memory CD8+ T cell, plays a pivotal role in sustaining persistent inflammation and causing tissue damage in the nasal passages.
\"Think of white blood cells as the body's defense army, with T lymphocytes acting as elite forces,\" explained Dr. Zhang Luo of Beijing Tongren Hospital. \"Within this elite group, memory CD8+ T cells are like specialized commandos.\"
Dr. Zhang noted that unlike traditional cells that release Granzyme B to fight infections, these specialized T cells secrete Granzyme K. \"Granzyme K bypasses the need for antibodies to activate the body's defense system. However, instead of protecting us, it intensifies tissue damage and inflammation, worsening the 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 offer temporary relief, many patients suffer from recurrent episodes that diminish 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 not only sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of these chronic conditions but also offers hope for improved treatments that could enhance the lives of millions.
Reference(s):
Scientists find immune cells fueling chronic sinus infections
cgtn.com
