Macrophage mannose receptor in chronic sinus disease.
BACKGROUND
The role of infectious agents in the onset and maintenance of chronic sinus disease is still not fully understood. Macrophage mannose receptor (MMR), an innate pattern recognizing receptor, capable of phagocytosis of invaders and signal transduction for proinflammatory mechanisms, might be of importance in immune interactions in chronic sinus disease.


OBJECTIVE
We examined the MMR in sinonasal airway mucosa to evaluate its possible role in chronic rhinosinusitis (CS) and nasal polyposis (NPs).


METHODS
Surgical samples from patients with sinonasal disease were investigated with real-time RT-PCR for quantification of MMR mRNA expression, and the presence and location of MMR-positive cells was analysed by immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
Quantification of MMR mRNA showed a statistically significant higher expression in NPs compared to CS without NP and controls. Immunohistochemistry revealed expression of MMR in all tissue samples; however, in NP we found an enhanced positive cellular staining including cell aggregates.


CONCLUSIONS
We could demonstrate for the first time that the expression of MMR is significantly upregulated in NP compared to patients with CS without NP or turbinate tissue of controls. Macrophages expressing MMR, accumulated in cell aggregates in NPs, play a possible key role in pathogen-macrophage interaction in NP disease.
Claeys
S
S
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
De Belder
T
T
Holtappels
G
G
Gevaert
P
P
Verhasselt
B
B
Van Cauwenberge
P
P
Bachert
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D037181:Lectins, C-Type / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D000090323:Mannose Receptor; D037241:Mannose-Binding Lectins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000276:immunology; D009298:Nasal Polyps / Q000276:immunology*; D010254:Paranasal Sinus Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology*; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000276:immunology
D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D000090323:Mannose Receptor; D037241:Mannose-Binding Lectins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface