B cell lymphoma-2-like protein-12 association with T-helper 2 inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis with allergy: Bcl2L12 associates with CRS

BACKGROUND: T-helper 2 (Th2) polarization plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with accompanying nasal allergy. Recent studies indicate that B cell lymphoma-2-like protein-12 (Bcl2L12) is associated with immune dysregulation. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of Bcl2L12 in the pathogenesis of Th2 polarization of CRS patients. METHODS: CRS patients with nasal allergy (CRSa) and without nasal allergy (CRSna) were recruited into this study. CD4+ T cells were isolated from the blood samples of human subjects. A variety of immunologic molecular strategies were used to assess Th2 polarization and Bcl2L12 expression. RESULTS: Twenty CRSa patients, 20 CRSna patients, and 20 healthy subjects were recruited into this study. High levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-13, and Bcl2L12 were detected in nasal extracts of CRSa patients, but not in CRSna patients. The levels of Bcl2L12 were positively correlated with Th2 cytokines. CD4+ T cells from CRSa patients were prone to differentiate into Th2 cells, in which Bcl2L12 was required. CONCLUSION: Bcl2L12 is positively correlated with Th2 cytokine levels in the nasal mucosa of CRSa patients. Bcl2L12 contributes to the Th2 polarization, which may be a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of CRSa.