A groundbreaking study published in Nature has uncovered that a specific type of immune cell, previously hailed as a 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 have pinpointed Granzyme K (GZMK), a protein released by specialized memory CD8+ T cells, as the main offender.
\"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 memory CD8+ T cells secrete Granzyme K. Dr. Luo noted that Granzyme K bypasses the need for antibodies to activate the body's defense system. However, instead of offering protection, it intensifies tissue damage and inflammation, exacerbating the condition.
Chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps affect millions globally, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, loss of smell, and headaches. Current treatments provide temporary relief, but many patients suffer from recurrent episodes.
The study highlights GZMK as a promising new drug target. Experimental models have shown that inhibiting GZMK significantly reduces inflammation.
\"In the future, medications designed to target Granzyme K could help control inflammation and reduce recurrence, potentially revolutionizing the treatment landscape for conditions like chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and related allergic diseases,\" stated Professor Qi Hai of Tsinghua University.
Reference(s):
Scientists find immune cells fueling chronic sinus infections
cgtn.com
