Immune Immune 94: The nose knows
Jul 29, 2025
The hosts dive into the fascinating world of the immune system, discussing how cytotoxic T cells and granzyme K contribute to nasal inflammation and polyps. They explore the origins of IgA-producing B cells in the nose and the complexities of targeting granzyme K for asthma therapy. With humor, they contrast resilience in nature with the serious implications of their research, touching on the dynamics of immune responses in nasal tissue. The conversation also highlights challenges in mucosal vaccine development and the collaborative spirit within scientific podcasting.
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Granzyme K+ CD8 T Cells in Disease
- Granzyme K expressing CD8 T cells persist in nasal polyp patients and correlate with disease severity.
- These cells activate complement cascades, potentially driving airway inflammation by cleaving complement proteins like C3.
CD8 T Cells Activate Complement
- Granzyme K cleaves complement components C2, C3, and C4, triggering inflammation in airway tissues.
- This suggests CD8 T cells can activate innate immunity, a novel link between adaptive and innate responses.
Targeting Granzyme K Reduces Inflammation
- Blocking Granzyme K genetically or pharmacologically in mouse airway inflammation models reduces disease severity.
- Exacerbation of disease by Granzyme K depends on complement, linking the enzyme’s activity to inflammatory pathology.