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Th2 cytokines associated with chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps down-regulate the antimicrobial immune function of

Murugappan Ramanathan1, Won-Kyung Lee, Ernst W Spannhake

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-0910, USA.

American Journal of Rhinology
|April 18, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) involves reduced innate immune genes in sinonasal epithelial cells. Th2 cytokines like IL-4 and IL-13 directly impair these immune responses, potentially leading to colonization and abnormal immunity.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) is linked to Th2 inflammation and microbial colonization.
  • The role of Th2 cytokines in sinonasal epithelial cell (SNEC) innate immunity is unclear.
  • Abnormal mucosal immune responses are suspected in CRSwNP pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of innate immune genes in human SNECs (HSNECs) from CRSwNP patients.
  • To determine the effect of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-13) on HSNEC innate immune function.

Main Methods:

  • HSNECs from controls and CRSwNP patients were analyzed for innate immune and inflammatory gene expression.
  • Real-time PCR, ELISA, and flow cytometry were used for gene expression analysis.
  • HSNECs were cultured and exposed to IL-4 or IL-13 to model Th2 inflammation.

Main Results:

  • CRSwNP HSNECs showed reduced expression of antimicrobial innate immune markers (TLR9, HBD2, SP-A).
  • Exposure to IL-4 or IL-13 significantly downregulated baseline innate immune gene expression in HSNECs.
  • Th2 cytokines directly impact innate immune gene expression in sinonasal epithelium.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced expression of innate immune genes in HSNECs is characteristic of CRSwNP.
  • Leukocyte-derived Th2 cytokines in the sinonasal mucosa contribute to impaired innate immunity.
  • Impaired mucosal innate immunity may facilitate microbial colonization and aberrant immune responses in CRSwNP.

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