Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Harvesting Murine Alveolar Macrophages and Evaluating Cellular Activation Induced by Polyanhydride Nanoparticles
Published on: June 8, 2012
Macrophage mannose receptor in chronic sinus disease
S Claeys1, T De Belder, G Holtappels
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
Background:
The role of infectious agents in the onset and maintenance of chronic sinus disease is still not fully understood. Macrophage mannose receptor (MMR), an innate pattern recognizing receptor, capable of phagocytosis of invaders and signal transduction for proinflammatory mechanisms, might be of importance in immune interactions in chronic sinus disease.
Objective:
We examined the MMR in sinonasal airway mucosa to evaluate its possible role in chronic rhinosinusitis (CS) and nasal polyposis (NPs).
Methods:
Surgical samples from patients with sinonasal disease were investigated with real-time RT-PCR for quantification of MMR mRNA expression, and the presence and location of MMR-positive cells was analysed by immunohistochemistry.
Results:
Quantification of MMR mRNA showed a statistically significant higher expression in NPs compared to CS without NP and controls. Immunohistochemistry revealed expression of MMR in all tissue samples; however, in NP we found an enhanced positive cellular staining including cell aggregates.
Conclusions:
We could demonstrate for the first time that the expression of MMR is significantly upregulated in NP compared to patients with CS without NP or turbinate tissue of controls. Macrophages expressing MMR, accumulated in cell aggregates in NPs, play a possible key role in pathogen-macrophage interaction in NP disease.
Insights
Macrophage mannose receptor (MMR) expression is significantly higher in nasal polyposis (NP) compared to chronic rhinosinusitis (CS). This suggests MMR-expressing macrophages play a key role in NP pathogen interactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Otolaryngology
- Pathology
Background:
- The role of infectious agents in chronic sinus disease remains unclear.
- Macrophage mannose receptor (MMR) is involved in innate immunity and phagocytosis.
- MMR may play a role in immune responses within chronic sinus disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate MMR expression in sinonasal mucosa.
- To evaluate the potential role of MMR in chronic rhinosinusitis (CS) and nasal polyposis (NPs).
Main Methods:
- Real-time RT-PCR was used to quantify MMR mRNA expression.
- Immunohistochemistry analyzed the presence and location of MMR-positive cells.
- Surgical samples from patients with sinonasal disease were examined.
Main Results:
- MMR mRNA expression was significantly higher in NPs compared to CS without NP and controls.
- MMR was expressed in all tissue samples.
- Enhanced MMR-positive cellular staining and cell aggregates were observed in NPs.
Conclusions:
- MMR expression is significantly upregulated in nasal polyposis.
- MMR-expressing macrophages in cell aggregates are implicated in NP pathogenesis.
- MMR plays a potential key role in pathogen-macrophage interactions in nasal polyposis.
