What can we learn about chronic rhinosinusitis through mucus?

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Otolaryngology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) presents complex immunopathology.
• Noninvasive biomarkers are crucial for understanding CRS.
• Sinonasal mucus biomarkers are emerging as key tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolving role of sinonasal mucus biomarkers in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).
• To highlight the transition from research discovery to potential clinical implementation.
• To identify gaps for routine integration into clinical decision-making.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on sinonasal mucus biomarkers in CRS.
• Analysis of studies linking biomarker profiles to clinical outcomes.
• Examination of technological advancements in biomarker collection and analysis.

Main Results:

• Mucus biomarkers provide insights into CRS endotypes, severity, and olfactory dysfunction.
• Biomarker profiles correlate with olfactory recovery, polyp recurrence, and biologic therapy response.
• Machine learning enhances prediction of outcomes and therapy selection.

Conclusions:

• Mucus biomarkers link immune dysfunction to clinical CRS manifestations.
• Continued refinement may enable precision diagnostics and personalized treatments for CRS.
• Integration with machine learning and clinical data is promising for future strategies.