A groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature has uncovered that a specific type of immune cell, once thought to be a crucial defender, actually contributes to persistent inflammation and tissue damage in chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps.
After nearly a decade of research, scientists from Tsinghua University and Beijing Tongren Hospital in China have identified Granzyme K (GZMK), a protein secreted by a specialized subset of memory CD8+ T cells, as a key factor in the progression of these chronic conditions.
\"White blood cells are like the body's defense army, with T lymphocytes serving as elite forces,\" explained Dr. Zhang Luo from Beijing Tongren Hospital. \"Within this group, memory CD8+ T cells act like specialized commandos.\"
Dr. Zhang noted that unlike traditional cells that release Granzyme B, these particular 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, exacerbating 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. Current treatments often provide only temporary relief, with many patients experiencing recurrent episodes.
The study's findings suggest that GZMK could be a promising new target for drug development. 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 new hope for patients suffering from these chronic conditions, paving the way for more effective and long-lasting treatments.
(Reporting by Gong Zhe.)
Reference(s):
Scientists find immune cells fueling chronic sinus infections
cgtn.com
