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Expression of protease-activated receptors in allergic fungal rhinosinusitis

Charles S Ebert1, Kibwei A McKinney, Gene Urrutia

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC.

International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology
|February 7, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) involves increased expression of Protease-Activated Receptor 3 (PAR3). This study found significantly higher PAR3 in AFRS patients compared to controls, suggesting a role in inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The exact cause of severe inflammation in allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is unknown.
  • Fungal proteases may trigger this inflammation by activating Protease-Activated Receptors (PARs).
  • PARs are involved in the innate immune response and can enhance T helper 2 (Th2) responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate differential gene expression of PARs in patients with AFRS.
  • To compare PAR expression in AFRS patients versus control groups.

Main Methods:

  • Gene expression profiles of 15 AFRS patients were compared to 5 healthy controls and 5 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).
  • Ethmoid mucosa RNA was analyzed using microarray chips to assess expression of PAR1, PAR2, PAR3, and PAR4.
  • A linear-mixed model was employed, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Main Results:

  • Protease-Activated Receptor 3 (PAR3) demonstrated statistically significant differential expression between AFRS and healthy control samples (p = 0.03).
  • A 2.21-fold change in PAR3 expression was observed in AFRS patients.
  • No other significant differences in PAR expression were found among the groups.

Conclusions:

  • PARs are known to boost inflammatory cytokine production and Th2 responses.
  • This study indicates significantly increased PAR3 expression in patients with AFRS compared to healthy controls.
  • PAR3 may play a crucial role in the inflammatory processes of AFRS.
Keywords:
allergicfungal rhinosinusitispolypsproteasereceptors

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