A groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature has revealed that a specific type of immune cell, once thought to be a vital defender, can actually fuel persistent inflammation and tissue damage in 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 a key culprit in exacerbating these chronic 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 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.\"
Chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps affect millions of people worldwide, causing debilitating 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 discovery of GZMK's role opens new avenues for targeted therapies. Experimental models demonstrated that inhibiting GZMK can significantly reduce inflammation, suggesting that medications designed to target Granzyme K could control inflammation and reduce recurrence.
\"In the future, treatments focusing on Granzyme K could potentially revolutionize how we manage conditions like chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and related allergic diseases,\" said Professor Qi Hai of Tsinghua University. \"This approach offers hope for more effective and long-lasting relief for patients worldwide.\"
The study not only sheds light on the complex mechanisms of the immune system but also highlights the importance of continuous research in combating chronic inflammatory diseases.
(Gong Zhe contributed to this story.)
Reference(s):
Scientists find immune cells fueling chronic sinus infections
cgtn.com
