Expression and Functional Analysis of CST1 in Intractable Nasal Polyps

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) can be intractable and recurrent.
• Eosinophilic CRSwNP (ECRS) is a severe subtype characterized by refractory nasal polyps.
• The underlying molecular mechanisms of ECRS pathogenesis require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of Cystatin SN (CST1) in the pathogenesis of ECRS.
• To determine the expression levels and potential function of CST1 in nasal polyps.

Main Methods:

• Whole-transcript analysis using next-generation sequencing identified CST1.
• Real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry assessed CST1 mRNA and protein expression in nasal polyps.
• In vitro studies examined CST1's effect on nasal epithelial cells and fibroblasts.

Main Results:

• CST1 expression was significantly higher in nasal polyps from ECRS patients compared to non-ECRS patients.
• CST1 expression correlated with ECRS severity and recurrence.
• CST1 stimulation increased TSLP in epithelial cells and CCL11/POSTN in fibroblasts, suggesting amplification of inflammation.

Conclusions:

• CST1 is highly expressed in ECRS and may contribute to disease severity and recurrence.
• CST1 interacts with epithelial and fibroblast cells to amplify eosinophilic and T-helper cell type 2 inflammation.
• CST1 represents a potential therapeutic target for ECRS.