sCD48 is elevated in non-allergic but not in allergic persistent rhinitis

Abstract

Background

CD48 is a costimulatory receptor of the immune response. Interactions between CD48 and CD244 (2B4) on mast cells and eosinophils suggest that these cells can act synergistically in the 'allergic effector unit' to promote inflammation. This report explores the role of CD48 in persistent allergic (PAR) and non-allergic rhinitis (NAR).

Methods

In this study, serum was obtained from 70 subjects (45 female, 64%; mean age, 36; range 18–70 years) to estimate the levels of sCD48 and two eosinophils-related parameters, ECP and eotaxin-1/CCL11. Twenty patients with PAR, 15 patients with NAR, and 35 healthy controls were included. The intensity of rhinitis symptoms was estimated by the Total Nasal Symptom Score. We also assessed the fractional exhaled nitric oxide bronchial and nasal fractions (FeNO) and neutrophil to lymphocyte (NLR) and eosinophil to lymphocyte (ELR) ratios.

Results

Significantly higher sCD48 serum levels were observed in the NAR group than in the PAR and control groups, and significant correlations were found between the serum level of sCD48 and the number and percentage of eosinophils. ECP and eotaxin-1/CCL11 serum levels were also found to be significantly higher in the NAR group.

Conclusions

CD48 may be involved in eosinophilic pathophysiological reactions in non-allergic rhinitis

Keywords:

• CD48
• allergic rhinitis
• non-allergic rhinitis
• eosinophils
• nitric oxide

Acknowledgement

The authors gratefully acknowledge technical assistance by Mirosława Kasprzak.

Ethical approval

The research was approved by the Bioethics Committee at the Medical University of Silesia, Resolution No. KNW/0022/KB1/66/1/12/18.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Author contributions

Olga Branicka – Designed the study, analyzed and interpreted the data for the work, made tables and graphs, and wrote the manuscript. Final approval of the version to be published; Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Barbara Rogala – Substantial contributions to the design of the work; Revising manuscript critically for important intellectual content; final approval of the version to be published.; Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Edyta Jura-Szołtys – participated in revising the article critically for the important intellectual content and final approval of the version to be published. Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Joanna Glück – Substantial helped with designed the study, contributions to the conception and design of the work, interpretation of data for the work; Revising the work critically for important intellectual content; final approval of the version to be published; Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Additional information

Funding

The study was supported from the Medical University of Silesia Katowice, Poland by grant KNW-2-K04/D/8/N.