Characterization of B-cell subpopulations in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis

• Published in: International forum of allergy & rhinology 2013-08, Vol.3 (8), p.621-629
• Main Authors: Psaltis, Alkis J., Schlosser, Rodney J., Yawn, James R., Henriquez, Oswaldo, Mulligan, Jennifer K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; B cells; B lymphocytes; B-Lymphocyte Subsets - metabolism; B-Lymphocytes - metabolism; Case-Control Studies; Chronic Disease; chronic inflammation; Chronic rhino sinusitis; Female; Flow Cytometry - methods; Humans; Immune system; Immunoglobulins; Immunology; Male; Middle Aged; Nasal Mucosa - metabolism; Nasal Mucosa - pathology; Nasal polyps; Nasal Polyps - complications; Nasal Polyps - metabolism; Nasal Polyps - pathology; Paranasal Sinuses - metabolism; Paranasal Sinuses - pathology; plasma cells; Plasma Cells - metabolism; Quality of life; Rhinitis - complications; Rhinitis - metabolism; Rhinitis - pathology; sinusitis; Sinusitis - complications; Sinusitis - metabolism; Sinusitis - pathology
• ISSN: 2042-6976; 2042-6984
• DOI: 10.1002/alr.21173

Background Recent research suggest that B and plasma cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). The purpose of this study was to subcharacterize the B cell response in the sinus mucosa of control and CRS patients. Methods Representative tissue samples and peripheral blood samples were obtained from controls, CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) and CRSwNP. Using single‐cell suspension flow cytometry these samples were analyzed for overall and stage‐specific B and plasma cell percentages. Results Both atopic and nonatopic CRSwNP patients showed an increase in local numbers of naive, active, and memory B cells compared to controls. CRSsNP patients only showed local elevations of naive B cells. Plasma cells were only significantly elevated in the sinus tissue of atopic CRSwNP patients. These local tissue increases did not correlate with increased numbers of circulating B cells. Conclusion This study provides further evidence of an important role of B cells in CRSwNP patients. The local increase appears to be independent of a systemic response.