A groundbreaking study published in the scientific journal Nature has shed light on a previously overlooked culprit in chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps: a specific type of immune cell. Researchers from China's Tsinghua University and Beijing Tongren Hospital have identified Granzyme K (GZMK), a protein secreted by specialized memory CD8+ T cells, as a key driver of persistent inflammation and tissue damage in these conditions.
\"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. 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, rather than protecting the body, Granzyme K intensifies tissue damage and inflammation, exacerbating chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps. These conditions affect millions worldwide, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, loss of smell, and headaches. While current treatments can offer temporary relief, many patients experience recurrent episodes.
The discovery of Granzyme K's role opens new avenues for treatment. 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 study represents nearly a decade of collaborative research, highlighting the importance of understanding the immune system's complexities. By pinpointing the factors that contribute to chronic inflammation, scientists hope to develop more effective therapies that address the underlying causes rather than just the symptoms.
(Gong Zhe contributed to this story.)
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Scientists find immune cells fueling chronic sinus infections
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