Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is predominantly driven by which cytokine endotype?
- A Type 2 (Th2) — IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 ✓
- B Type 1 (Th1) — IFN-γ, IL-12
- C Type 3 — IL-17, IL-22
- D TNF-α and IL-1β (innate immune)
Correct answer: A. Type 2 (Th2) — IL-4, IL-5, IL-13
Explanation
CRSwNP is predominantly a Type 2 (Th2-skewed) inflammatory disease characterised by elevated IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13; this drives eosinophilic inflammation, elevated IgE, and tissue remodelling. Biologic therapies targeting this endotype (dupilumab — anti-IL-4Rα; mepolizumab — anti-IL-5; benralizumab — anti-IL-5Rα) are approved for recurrent CRSwNP. Type 3 cytokines are more characteristic of CRS without nasal polyps in Asian populations.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.