Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 1, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Allergic Rhinitis Research with Multicolor Immunofluorescence
06:08

Author Spotlight: Advancing Allergic Rhinitis Research with Multicolor Immunofluorescence

Published on: September 22, 2023

2.7K

Macrophage Infiltrate Is Elevated in CRSwNP Sinonasal Tissue Regardless of Atopic Status

Caroline A Banks1, Rodney J Schlosser2, Eric W Wang3

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA Caroline_Banks@MEEI.HARVARD.EDU.

Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery : Official Journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
|April 8, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Macrophages are significantly increased in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) patients, independent of atopic status. This macrophage infiltration may play a key role in the immunopathology of CRSwNP.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Rhinology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Macrophages are key inflammatory cytokine producers.
  • Their specific role in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains unclear.
  • Understanding macrophage involvement is crucial for CRS pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify macrophage infiltration in different CRS subtypes.
  • To investigate the influence of atopic status on macrophage presence.
  • To elucidate the role of macrophages in CRS immunopathology.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective immunohistochemical analysis of human sinonasal tissue.
  • Tissue samples from CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP), and controls were analyzed.
  • Macrophage markers (Mac387, CD68) were used for quantification.

Main Results:

  • CRSwNP patients showed significantly higher Mac387 and CD68 positive cells compared to controls and CRSsNP patients.
  • CRSsNP patients had increased CD68 positive cells compared to controls.
  • Elevated macrophage presence in CRSwNP was not affected by atopic status.

Conclusions:

  • Macrophages are significantly increased in CRSwNP, irrespective of atopy.
  • These findings suggest a substantial role for macrophages in the immunopathology of CRSwNP.
  • Further research into macrophage-targeted therapies for CRSwNP is warranted.
Keywords:
atopychronic rhinosinusitismacrophagenasal polyps

More Related Videos

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis06:35

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis

Published on: February 8, 2019

6.8K
Identifying Microglia and Peripheral Infiltrating Macrophages in the Injured Spinal Cords Using Flow Cytometry08:47

Identifying Microglia and Peripheral Infiltrating Macrophages in the Injured Spinal Cords Using Flow Cytometry

Published on: June 24, 2025

926

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Inflammation: Introduction01:12

Chronic Inflammation: Introduction

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
41
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes01:25

Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes

Immune surveillance is an integral part of the innate immune system, involving the continuous monitoring of peripheral tissues to detect and respond to pathogens, infected cells, or cancerous cells. This surveillance is conducted primarily by natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytes, which employ distinct but complementary mechanisms to identify and eliminate threats.
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
7.2K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
40
Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response01:26

Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response

Acute inflammation is a rapid, short-lived physiological response to tissue injury or infection, designed to eliminate harmful agents and initiate repair. This tightly regulated process typically lasts from minutes to several days and is triggered by factors such as microbial invasion, physical trauma, or chemical injury.Recognition and Mediator ReleaseThe inflammatory response begins when resident immune cells—such as mast cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells—detect...
94