Molecular mechanisms of rhinovirus infection regarding aggravating factors in eosinophilic rhinosinusitis

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K18264
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56050:Otorhinolaryngology-related
• Research Institution: Juntendo University
• Principal Investigator: Oba Ayuko 順天堂大学, 医学部, 非常勤助手 (90812975)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 好酸球性副鼻腔炎 / 鼻ポリープ / ライノウイルス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Eosinophilic sinusitis, which is accompanied by numerous eosinophils infiltrating the sinus mucosa and is accompanied by refractory and recurrent nasal polyps, has been attracting attention. To clarify the mechanism of exacerbation of eosinophilic sinusitis, we investigated the effects of rhinovirus infection in cultured human nasal epithelial cells and nasal gland cells from the perspective of secretory response mechanisms. We were able to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of (1) increased expression of inflammatory cytokines and the rhinovirus receptor ICAM-1 from the nasal epithelial surface epithelium due to rhinovirus infection, (2) Mac5AC molecule expression response from cultured nasal gland cells with eosinophilic sinusitis, and (3) increased mucus production due to viral infection.

Free Research Field

耳鼻咽喉科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

好酸球性副鼻腔炎再燃時の鼻汁分泌を呈する疾患の病態解明が確信できる。好酸球性副鼻腔炎の増悪・再燃の分子メカニズムを世界に先駆けて発信することができる。本研究から、IL-13, IL-17A, TSLPなどの炎症性サイトカイン、鼻上皮細胞のICAM-1や鼻腺細胞のMuc5AC遺伝子の転写因子が新しい創薬のターゲット候補として注目される。鼻汁、鼻閉、後鼻漏、嗅覚障害などの鼻症状、頭痛、頬部痛などに悩み、苦しむ国内の数百万人の患者への大きな福音となり、国民生活の質的向上をもたらす極めて有意義な研究である。