Local IL-25 contributes to Th2-biased inflammatory profiles in nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND: IL-25 has been proposed to play a key role in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). This study aimed to evaluate the association of IL-25 with the Th2-biased inflammatory profiles in CRSwNP.

METHODS: Nasal polyp (NP) tissues and control uncinate process tissues were collected from 92 patients with CRSwNP, 20 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and 16 normal control subjects. IL-25 expression was examined using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and ELISA. The inflammatory profiles and clinical characteristics of 2 NP subtypes (IL-25high and IL-25low ) were evaluated, and the effects of IL-25 on Th2 cytokine production in cultured dispersed polyp cells were examined in vitro.

RESULTS: The mRNA and protein levels of IL-25 were significantly increased in the polyp tissues compared with the control uncinate process tissues. The IL-25high subtype showed greater computed tomography scores, endoscopic scores, and Th2 response. Exposure to IL-25 activated type 2 innate lymphoid cells and Th2 cells in NP simultaneously which further increased Th2 cytokine production in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS: Local IL-25 plays a crucial role in promoting Th2-biased inflammatory profiles in NP and may serve as a promising therapeutic target in CRSwNP patients.