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Project

Investigation of the role of neuroendocrine cells in neuronal hyperexcitability in non-allergic respiratory diseases.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with (CRS) nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a highly prevalent disorder, affecting between 5-15% of the general population. It is characterized by an overt sinonasal mucosal inflammation mucosa that results in classic pathological features such as nasal congestion, loss of smell and facial pain and pressure. Despite the major impact on quality of life, the current treatments are rather disappointing, mainly because of our limited current understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. Recently, the airway epithelium has gained more attention as a possible important link in the pathology of CRSwNP. With the use of single-cell RNA-sequencing, novel epithelial cell types were described. Neuroendocrine cells are rare cells that serve as chemoreceptors that monitor the airway status. In the lower airways, neuroendocrine cells were shown to release neuromediators or cytokines that activate innate lymphoid cells and/or neurons to further promote type 2 allergic responses. Whether neuroendocrine cells play a role in the pathology of upper airway diseases is currently not explored. Therefore, the aim of this project is to study whether neuroendocrine cell number is increased in CRSwNP, to evaluate how the release of neuromediators is controlled, and to what extent these mediators differs in CRSwNP compared to healthy controls.

Date:1 Sep 2020 →  Today
Keywords:Immunology, Translational research, Neuroendocrine cells, Airway epithelium, Neurogenic Inflammation, Cellular and molecular research
Disciplines:Inflammation
Project type:PhD project