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Increased IL-21 expression in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasalpolyps.
1Institute of Immunology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Summary
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is elevated in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), driving B cell activation and immunoglobulin production. This cytokine is linked to disease severity and persistent inflammation in CRSwNP patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Otolaryngology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a crucial cytokine regulating B cell immunity and implicated in inflammatory conditions.
- This study investigates the role of IL-21 in activated B lymphocytes and eosinophilia within nasal polyp (NP) tissues in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the role of IL-21 in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP.
- To investigate the association between IL-21 levels and clinical parameters in CRSwNP.
- To examine the effect of IL-21 on B cell differentiation and immunoglobulin production.
Main Methods:
- Collected NP, uncinate process tissues, and PBMCs from CRSwNP patients, CRSsNP patients, and controls.
- Assessed IL-21 expression via IHC, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, and ELISA.
- Evaluated IL-21's clinical implications and in vitro effects on B cell differentiation and Ig production.
Main Results:
- Significantly increased IL-21 mRNA and protein levels were observed in NP tissues.
- IL-21 levels correlated with polyp size, tissue eosinophilia, asthma comorbidity, and postsurgical recurrence.
- IL-21 promoted B cell activation (CD19(+) CD20(+/-) CD38(high) plasmablasts) and IgG/IgA production in cultured NP cells.
Conclusions:
- Elevated IL-21 in NP tissues is associated with CRSwNP disease severity and local B cell activation.
- IL-21 may contribute to persistent mucosal inflammation in CRSwNP.
- Targeting IL-21 could be a therapeutic strategy for CRSwNP.
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