Interleukin-9 and interleukin-17C in chronic rhinosinusitis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Allergy and Asthma Research

Background:

• Interleukin (IL)-9 and IL-17C are implicated in allergic inflammation, but their specific roles in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remain unclear.
• IL-9 influences epithelial cell gene expression and goblet cell metaplasia.
• IL-17C expression is inducible by bacterial challenge and inflammatory stimuli.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the expression levels of IL-9 and IL-17C in patients with CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP).
• To investigate the association of IL-9 and IL-17C levels with atopy in CRS patients.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of nasal polyp or sinus mucosal specimens from CRSwNP, CRSsNP, and control groups.
• Determination of patient atopy status via skin-prick and pulmonary function tests.
• Immunohistochemical staining for IL-9 and IL-17C, with enumeration of positively-stained cells.

Main Results:

• IL-9 expression was significantly higher in CRSwNP compared to CRSsNP and controls.
• IL-17C expression showed a similar pattern, being higher in CRSwNP than in CRSsNP and controls.
• Elevated levels of both IL-9 and IL-17C were observed in CRS patients with co-existing asthma and allergy.

Conclusions:

• Increased expression of IL-9 and IL-17C in inflammatory cells is associated with CRS, especially when accompanied by allergy and asthma.
• These interleukins may contribute to the pathogenesis of CRSwNP, atopy, and asthma.
• IL-9 and IL-17C represent potential therapeutic targets for managing CRS and related conditions.