T cells in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The cause of nasal polyp disease remains controversial. Examination of the T lymphocytes involved in nasal polyp inflammation may lead to an improved understanding of the cause, prognosis, and treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.

RECENT FINDINGS: T lymphocytes are important directors of the inflammatory process in allergic rhinitis and asthma, but the role of T lymphocytes in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis has not been thoroughly investigated. The T lymphocyte infiltrate in nasal polyps may vary based upon genetic factors, polyp histology, or the presence of asthma/atopy. Staphylococcal enterotoxins, which are known to activate T cells, stimulate proinflammatory cytokine secretion by nasal polyp cells, whereas regulatory cytokines are not similarly up regulated by enterotoxin exposure. The inflammation in nasal polyps may be related to deficient function of regulatory T cells. New data on staphylococcal enterotoxins and regulatory T cells point to possible roles for T cells in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.

SUMMARY: Further study of the T cell compartment in nasal polyps may lead to a better understanding of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors responsible for nasal polyp inflammation.