Immune responses of the epithelium in chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps

描述(由申请人提供)：慢性鼻窦炎合并息肉(CRSwNP)在美国是一个严重的健康问题。这种疾病通常对内科和外科治疗特别顽固，其特征是鼻窦粘膜持续的嗜酸性炎症，分泌物增厚，经常被细菌和/或真菌定植。CRSwNP背后的细胞和分子机制仍然知之甚少。鼻和鼻窦上皮积极参与宿主免疫，是抵御吸入病原体和其他潜在威胁的屏障和第一道防线。在过去的资助期间，我们研究了鼻窦上皮细胞(SNEC)如何通过产生固有的亲嗜酸细胞介质和与适应性免疫系统进行双向通信来促进CRSwNP的发生。我们使用人类组织和小鼠模型进行的研究表明，SNEC是由上皮损伤触发的，产生促进嗜酸性炎症的介质。我们假设这一途径是愈合和修复的正常方面，但被与微生物感染相关的信号抑制。为了验证这些假说，首先，在目标1中，我们将检查急慢性鼻窦炎性疾病患者的鼻窦粘膜，以确定干预后缓解阶段中嗜酸性粒细胞介体的表达模式。我们还将在体外探索损伤相关分子、微生物分子模式和Th1细胞因子在确定SNEC亲嗜酸性粒细胞基因表达方面的相互作用。在目标2中，我们将利用鼻腔嗜酸性炎症的小鼠模型与缺乏抗微生物免疫相关基因的基因敲除小鼠相结合。作为这一目标的一部分，将建立第一个慢性鼻窦炎转基因动物模型，这将为未来CRSwNP的广泛研究提供巨大的潜力。最后，在目标3中，我们将剖析调节CRSwNP患者SNEC中异常嗜酸性介质表达的亚细胞通路。这些研究将极大地促进目前对CRSwNP的了解，并创造机会为这种令人虚弱和昂贵的疾病开发创新疗法。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps (CRSwNP) is a significant health problem in the United States. This disorder, which is often particularly recalcitrant to medical and surgical therapy, is characterized by persistent eosinophilic inflammation of the sinonasal mucosa, with thickened secretions that are frequently colonized with bacteria and/or fungi. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie CRSwNP remain poorly understood. The epithelium of nose and sinuses participates actively in host immunity, serving as a barrier and first line of defense against inhaled pathogens and other potential threats. During the past funding period, we investigated how sinonasal epithelial cells (SNEC) contribute to CRSwNP through production of innate pro-eosinophilic mediators and by bidirectional communication with the adaptive immune system. Our studies using human tissue and mouse models have suggested that SNEC are triggered by epithelial damage to produce mediators that promote eosinophilic inflammation. We hypothesize that this pathway is a normal aspect of healing and repair, but is suppressed by signals associated with microbial infection. To test these hypotheses, we will initially, in aim 1, examine sinus mucosa from patients with acute and chronic sinus inflammatory disease to define the pattern of pro-eosinophilic mediator expression during the resolution phase after intervention. We will also explore in vitro the interplay of damage-associated molecules, microbial molecular patterns, and Th1 cytokines in determining SNEC pro-eosinophilic gene expression. In aim 2, we will utilize mouse models of sinonasal eosinophilic inflammation in combination with knockout mice that lack antimicrobial immunity-associated genes. As part of this aim, the first transgenic animal model of chronic rhinosinusitis will be generated, with great potential to further a wide range of future CRSwNP research. Finally, in aim 3, we will dissect subcellular pathways that regulate abnormal pro-eosinophilic mediator expression in SNEC derived from CRSwNP patients. These studies will significantly advance current knowledge about CRSwNP and create an opportunity to develop innovative therapies for this debilitating and costly medical condition.