Chinese researchers have uncovered a surprising culprit behind chronic sinus infections and nasal polyps—a specialized immune cell once considered a vital defender against disease.
In a groundbreaking study published in the Nature scientific journal, scientists from Tsinghua University and Beijing Tongren Hospital revealed that a type of memory CD8+ T cell secretes Granzyme K (GZMK), a protein that intensifies inflammation and tissue damage in chronic sinusitis.
\"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.\"
Dr. Zhang noted that unlike traditional cells that release Granzyme B to combat pathogens, these memory CD8+ T cells secrete Granzyme K. \"Granzyme K bypasses the need for antibodies to activate the body's defense system. However, instead of protecting, it 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 offer temporary relief, many patients experience recurrent episodes, highlighting the need for more effective solutions.
The research team spent nearly a decade investigating the mechanisms behind persistent inflammation in chronic sinus conditions. Their findings suggest that GZMK is a promising new drug target.
Experimental models demonstrated that inhibiting GZMK significantly reduced inflammation. \"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 discovery offers hope for improved therapies that not only alleviate symptoms but also address the underlying causes of chronic sinus conditions.
(Reporting by Gong Zhe.)
Reference(s):
Scientists find immune cells fueling chronic sinus infections
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