Background: IL-21 is a key cytokine for regulating B cell immunity, which is involved in several inflammatory conditions. This study sought to define a role for IL-21 in activated B lymphocytes and enhanced tissue eosinophilia in NP tissues during the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).
Methods: NP and uncinate process tissues were collected from 64 CRSwNP patients, 25 CRSsNP patients, and 29 control subjects. IL-21 expression was examined using IHC staining, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, and ELISA, and its clinical implication was evaluated. Moreover, the effects of IL-21 on B cell differentiation and Ig production in cultured NP cells were examined in vitro.
Results: The mRNA and protein levels of IL-21 were significantly increased in polyp tissues compared with control tissues (P < 0.05). Polyp IL-21 level was significantly associated with polyp size, tissue eosinophilia and asthma comorbidity, and recurrence after surgery (P < 0.05). Both Th1 and Th17 cells were the main cellular sources of IL-21 in polyp tissues. The percentage of IL-21(+) CD4(+) cells was significantly higher in polyp tissues compared with control tissues and matched PBMCs (P < 0.01). Accordingly, the percentage of CD19(+) CD20(+/-) CD38(high) cells was significantly higher in polyp tissues compared with control tissues (P < 0.01). Moreover, recombinant IL-21 significantly increased the percentage of CD19(+) CD20(+/-) CD38(high) cells (plasmablasts) and IgG and IgA production in cultured NP cells in vitro (P < 0.05).
Conclusion and clinical relevance: Increased IL-21 level in polyp tissues was associated with disease severity, local B cell activation, and immunoglobulin production, suggesting that IL-21 might play an important role in promoting persistent mucosal inflammation in CRSwNP patients.
Keywords: B cell; IL-21; asthma; chronic rhinosinusitis; immunoglobulin; nasal polyp; plasma cells.
© 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.