Phenotypic Remodeling of γδ T Cells in Non-Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis

Background and Objectives: Emerging evidence indicates that γδ T cells contribute to mucosal inflammation, yet their composition and functional characteristics in the nasal mucosa and nasal polyps remain insufficiently defined. This study aimed to characterize γδ T cell subsets in patients with non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (non-ECRSwNP) and to assess their associations with clinical features. Materials and Methods: Using flow cytometry, we analyzed the frequencies and phenotypes of γδ T cell subsets in middle nasal turbinate (MNT) tissue and nasal polyps from patients with non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (non-ECRSwNP), and compared them with nasal mucosa from healthy controls. Correlations with age, sex, disease severity, and allergy were also examined. Results: Distinct alterations in γδ T cell composition were observed in non-ECRSwNP, marked by a predominance of Vδ1⁺ and double-negative (DN) subsets. In nasal polyps, these shifts were influenced by age and sex, with a decline in Vδ1⁺ and a rise in Vδ2⁺ cells in older individuals showing decreased Vδ1⁺ and increased Vδ2⁺ cell frequencies, and males exhibiting consistently higher Vδ1⁺ levels. Higher disease severity (Lund-Mackay score > 12) was associated with an increased proportion of DN cells relative to Vδ1⁺ cells. Conclusions: There were observed alterations in γδ T cell subsets. These results suggest their potential role for certain γδ T cell subsets in non-ECRSwNP pathogenesis, warranting further studies on their function and involvement in the pathogenesis of non-ECRSwNP. These findings highlight the need for further studies to define the functional roles of these subsets across different stages of the disease.