# Innate Immune Regulation of the Epithelium in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

> **NIH NIH R01** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $583,392

## Abstract

Chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps (CRSwNP) is a significant health problem in the United States. This
disorder, which is often particularly recalcitrant to medical and surgical therapy, is characterized by persistent
eosinophilic inflammation of the sinonasal mucosa, with thickened secretions that are frequently colonized with
micro-organisms. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie CRSwNP remain poorly understood.
The epithelium of nose and sinuses participates actively in host immunity, serving as a barrier and first line of
defense against inhaled pathogens and other potential threats. In previous studies, we investigated how
sinonasal epithelial cells (SNEC) contribute to CRSwNP through production of innate pro-eosinophilic
mediators and by bidirectional communication with other immune cells. Our research using human tissue and
mouse models have suggested that SNEC are triggered by epithelial damage to produce mediators that promote
eosinophilic inflammation. We hypothesize that this pathway, involving innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), is a
normal aspect of healing and repair. Our latest findings suggest that the populations of ILCs and epithelial
basal progenitor cells differ in CRSwNP. To test the hypotheses regarding basal cell and ILC interaction, we
will initially, in aim 1, examine sinus mucosa from patients with chronic sinus inflammatory disease to define
subtypes of basal progenitor cells and explore their innate immune function and pro-eosinophilic mediator
expression. We will also employ novel cell culture models to understand the properties of basal cell
populations. In aim 2, we will explore type 2 ILCs in CRSwNP and their interaction with basal cell populations,
using cell culture models. Finally, in aim 3, we will investigate the innate immune activity of polyp basal cells
in a modified cell culture model, and we will utilize genetically-modified mice and nasal inflammation models
to explore the role of innate immune regulation of basal cells in healing and persistence of eosinophilic
inflammation after injury. These studies will significantly advance current knowledge about CRSwNP and
create an opportunity to develop innovative therapies for this debilitating and costly medical condition.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9864049
- **Project number:** 5R01AI132590-03
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** ANDREW P LANE
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $583,392
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-03-07 → 2023-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9864049

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9864049, Innate Immune Regulation of the Epithelium in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (5R01AI132590-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9864049. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*