Gene microarray analysis of CD4-positive T cells in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS)

CRS is a common chronic disease, though knowledge of its pathophysiology is limited. CD4-positive T cells regulate a variety of inflammatory processes, infiltrate the sinus mucosa in CRS, and may play a pivotal role in the disease process. We analyzed gene transcription in peripheral blood CD4-positive T cells purified from 3 CRS patients using the Affymetrix U133A GeneChip microarray. Three allergic rhinitis patients (AR), and 4 normal individuals (NC) were controls. Levels of gene transcription were normalized and compared statistically. CRS patients demonstrated >3 months sinus symptoms, negative skin prick tests, and mucosal thickening by rhinoscopy and CT scan. Among 14,036 genes analyzed, 43 transcripts were uniquely (not in AR or NC) and significantly (p