Significance of IgG4-positive cells in severe eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis

Publication date: Available online 11 October 2018

Source: Allergology International

Author(s): Takahisa Koyama, Shin Kariya, Yasuharu Sato, Yuka Gion, Takaya Higaki, Takenori Haruna, Tazuko Fujiwara, Akira Minoura, Soshi Takao, Yorihisa Orita, Kengo Kanai, Masami Taniguchi, Kazunori Nishizaki, Mitsuhiro Okano

Abstract

Background

IgG4 production is regulated by type 2 (IL-4 and IL-13) and regulatory (IL-10) cytokines involved in the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). We sought to determine the pathophysiological characteristics of IgG4-positive cells in sinonasal tissues in CRS, especially eosinophilic CRS (ECRS).

Methods

IgG4-positive cells in uncinate tissues (UT) and nasal polyps (NP) were examined by immunohistochemistry. Associations between the number of IgG4-positive cells and clinicopathological factors were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the cut-off value of IgG4-positive cells in tissue that can predict the post-operative course.

Results

IgG4 was mainly expressed in infiltrating plasma and plasmacytoid cells, and the number of IgG4-positive cells was significantly higher in NP, especially those from severe ECRS patients, than in UT. In CRS patients, the number of IgG4-positive cells significantly and positively correlated with blood and tissue eosinophilia, radiological severity, and serum level of total IgE. The number of infiltrating IgG4-positive cells was significantly higher in patients with a poor post-operative course (sustained sinus shadow 6 months after surgery) than in those with a good one. The number of IgG4-positive cells in NP could discriminate patients with a good or a poor post-operative course (area under the curve: 0.769). Also, 73.3% sensitivity and 82.5% specificity were achieved when the cut-off value was set at 17 cells/high-power field.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the local expression of IgG4 on cells may be used as a biomarker that reflects the pathophysiology of CRS, including the post-operative course.

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