A groundbreaking study published in the scientific journal Nature has unveiled a surprising player in chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps: a specific type of immune cell that, contrary to its usual role in defense, actually fuels persistent inflammation and tissue damage.
After nearly ten years of meticulous research, scientists from China's Tsinghua University and Beijing Tongren Hospital have identified Granzyme K (GZMK), a protein secreted by a specialized form of memory CD8+ T cells, as the key culprit exacerbating these chronic conditions.
\"Think of white blood cells as the body's defense army, with T lymphocytes serving as elite forces,\" explained Dr. Zhang Luo from Beijing Tongren Hospital. \"Within this force, memory CD8+ T cells act like specialized commandos. However, instead of protecting, in this case they are intensifying the battle, causing more harm than good.\"
Unlike traditional T cells that release Granzyme B to combat pathogens, these memory CD8+ T cells secrete Granzyme K. This protein bypasses the need for antibodies to activate the body's defense system, but its overactivity leads to increased tissue damage and prolonged inflammation, worsening symptoms.
Chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps affect millions globally, leading to symptoms like nasal congestion, loss of smell, and headaches. Current treatments often provide only temporary relief, with many patients experiencing recurrent episodes that impact their quality of life.
The identification of GZMK offers a promising new target for drug development. In experimental models, inhibiting GZMK significantly reduced inflammation, pointing toward potential new therapies.
\"Medications designed to target Granzyme K could help control inflammation and reduce recurrence,\" said Professor Qi Hai of Tsinghua University. \"This discovery has the potential to revolutionize treatment approaches not only for chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps but also for related allergic diseases.\"
This research opens the door to developing more effective treatments that address the underlying causes of chronic sinus conditions, offering hope to millions of sufferers worldwide.
Gong Zhe contributed to this story.
Reference(s):
Scientists find immune cells fueling chronic sinus infections
cgtn.com
