A groundbreaking study published in the prestigious Nature scientific journal has unveiled that a specific type of immune cell, once thought to be a crucial defender, actually fuels persistent inflammation and tissue damage in patients suffering from chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps.
After nearly a decade of meticulous research, scientists from China's Tsinghua University and Beijing Tongren Hospital have identified Granzyme K (GZMK)—a protein secreted by a specialized type of memory CD8+ T cell—as the key culprit behind the chronic 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,\" Dr. Zhang added.
Chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps affect millions of people worldwide, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, loss of smell, and headaches. While current treatments offer temporary relief, many patients experience recurrent episodes that significantly impact their quality of life.
The study's findings suggest that GZMK could be a promising new drug target. Experimental models demonstrated that inhibiting GZMK significantly reduced inflammation, paving the way for potential breakthroughs in treatment.
\"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.\"
Reference(s):
Scientists find immune cells fueling chronic sinus infections
cgtn.com
