Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Infection of Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells Grown at an Air-Liquid Interface to Characterize Human Coronavirus-Host Interactions
Published on: September 22, 2023
Innate and acquired immunity and epithelial cell function in chronic rhinosinusitis
R P Schleimer1, Andrew P Lane, J Kim
1Division of Allergy-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Epithelial cells play crucial roles in airway inflammation and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Understanding their signaling pathways could lead to new therapies for CRS by enhancing protective responses and microbial clearance.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Epithelial cells are integral to host defense and inflammatory responses in the airways.
- Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) involves complex inflammatory processes where epithelial cells are implicated.
- The precise roles of epithelial cells in CRS pathogenesis are still being elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse functions of epithelial cells in airway inflammation, with a focus on CRS.
- To explore the potential of targeting epithelial cell signaling for novel CRS therapies.
- To highlight the importance of epithelial cell interactions with immune cells in disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on epithelial cell biology in airway inflammation.
- Analysis of signaling pathways involved in epithelial cell responses to injury and pathogens.
- Examination of the crosstalk between epithelial cells and dendritic cells (DCs), B cells, and T lymphocytes.
Main Results:
- Epithelial cells are essential for host defense, tissue repair, and mediating inflammatory responses.
- Dysfunctional epithelial cell responses contribute to the pathogenesis of CRS.
- Interactions between epithelial cells and immune cells (DCs, B, T cells) are critical in CRS.
Conclusions:
- Targeting epithelial cell signaling pathways offers promising therapeutic avenues for CRS.
- Enhancing epithelial cell protective responses and microbial clearance can reduce CRS severity.
- Further research into epithelial cell-immune cell communication will reveal new intervention strategies for CRS.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract.
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Asthma I: Introduction

