Prostaglandin E Receptor 2 (EP2) Dysregulation in Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis Nasal Polyp Epithelium.

OBJECTIVES

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is an eosinophilic subtype of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). This study aimed to investigate the transcriptome of AFRS nasal polyp epithelium.

METHODS

Sinonasal epithelial cells were harvested from healthy nasal mucosa and polyp tissue collected from participants undergoing elective sinonasal surgery. Primary epithelial cells were subsequently grown in air/liquid interface and subjected to RNA-seq analysis, RT-qPCR, immunoblotting, and immunostaining.

RESULTS

A total of 19 genes were differentially expressed between healthy and AFRS sample epithelium. The second top candidate gene, ranked by adjusted p-value, was prostaglandin E receptor 2 (PTGER2). The upregulation of PTGER2 was confirmed by RT-qPCR and immunoblot. The presence of the EP2 receptor, encoded by the PTGER2 gene, was confirmed by immunocytochemistry.

CONCLUSION

PTGER2 is a potential novel therapeutic target for AFRS. EP2 dysregulation is associated with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, potentially giving insight into common mechanisms of disease in severe CRSwNP.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 135:S1-S8, 2025.