A groundbreaking study by researchers from China's Tsinghua University and Beijing Tongren Hospital has unveiled that a specific type of immune cell, once considered a crucial defender, actually exacerbates inflammation and tissue damage in chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps.
After nearly a decade of meticulous research, the team identified Granzyme K (GZMK), a protein secreted by a specialized type of memory CD8+ T cell, as the key factor contributing to persistent sinus inflammation.
\"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. 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, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, loss of smell, and headaches. Current treatments often provide only temporary relief, with many patients experiencing recurrent episodes.
The discovery of GZMK's role offers a promising new avenue for treatment. Experimental models demonstrated that inhibiting GZMK significantly reduced inflammation, suggesting that medications targeting Granzyme K could control inflammation and reduce recurrence.
\"In the future, drugs designed to inhibit Granzyme K could revolutionize the treatment landscape for conditions like chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and related allergic diseases,\" said Professor Qi Hai of Tsinghua University.
This breakthrough not only deepens the understanding of immune mechanisms behind chronic sinus conditions but also opens the door to developing more effective therapies, potentially improving the quality of life for millions of sufferers worldwide.
(Gong Zhe contributed to this story.)
Reference(s):
Scientists find immune cells fueling chronic sinus infections
cgtn.com
