A groundbreaking study published in the prestigious Nature journal has unveiled a surprising culprit behind chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps: a specific type of immune cell previously deemed protective. After nearly a decade of meticulous research, scientists from China's Tsinghua University and Beijing Tongren Hospital have pinpointed Granzyme K (GZMK), a protein secreted by specialized memory CD8+ T cells, as a key driver of persistent inflammation and tissue damage.
\"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.\"
Dr. Zhang elaborated on the unexpected findings: \"Unlike traditional cells that release Granzyme B, these memory CD8+ T cells secrete Granzyme K. This protein bypasses the need for antibodies to activate the body's defense system. However, instead of safeguarding the body, Granzyme K intensifies tissue damage and inflammation, worsening the condition.\"
Chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps impact millions globally, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, loss of smell, and headaches. Despite current treatments providing temporary relief, many patients endure recurrent episodes, highlighting the need for more effective solutions.
The study positions GZMK as a promising new drug target. Experimental models demonstrated that inhibiting GZMK significantly reduced inflammation, offering hope for long-term relief.
\"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 not only sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of chronic sinus conditions but also opens avenues for developing targeted therapies that could improve the quality of life for millions.
Gong Zhe contributed to this story.
Reference(s):
Scientists find immune cells fueling chronic sinus infections
cgtn.com
