Scientists discover 'rouge' immune cells contributing to chronic sinus infections
Researchers have discovered 'rouge' immune cells that contribute to chronic sinus infections.
TroibNews 
A recent study published in the scientific journal Nature has uncovered that a specific type of immune cell, once deemed a crucial defender, can actually behave as a "rogue" element, exacerbating ongoing inflammation and tissue damage in conditions like chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps.
After almost ten years of research, scientists from Tsinghua University in China and Beijing Tongren Hospital pinpointed Granzyme K, a protein produced by a specialized subset of memory CD8+ T cells, as a key player in this process.
"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."
Dr. Luo highlighted the distinctive function of these cells: "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 impact millions of people globally, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, impaired sense of smell, and headaches. Although existing treatments may provide temporary relief, many patients continue to face recurrent issues.
The findings of the study point to GZMK as a potential new target for drug development. Experimental models indicated that the inhibition of GZMK led to a substantial decrease in 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.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
After almost ten years of research, scientists from Tsinghua University in China and Beijing Tongren Hospital pinpointed Granzyme K, a protein produced by a specialized subset of memory CD8+ T cells, as a key player in this process.
"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."
Dr. Luo highlighted the distinctive function of these cells: "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 impact millions of people globally, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, impaired sense of smell, and headaches. Although existing treatments may provide temporary relief, many patients continue to face recurrent issues.
The findings of the study point to GZMK as a potential new target for drug development. Experimental models indicated that the inhibition of GZMK led to a substantial decrease in 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.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
