Purpose of review: Inflammatory cells involved in the allergic response, including eosinophils, mast cells, basophils, and neutrophils, express sialoglycan-binding proteins such as Siglec-8 and Siglec-9, which inhibit cell function and survival. The purpose of this review is to briefly discuss the biology of these siglecs and their ligands and consider their potential impact in pathology and treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).
Recent findings: Recent studies demonstrate the presence of ligands for Siglec-8 and Siglec-9 in sinonasal tissue from patients with CRS as well as healthy patients, suggesting that the immunoregulatory functions of siglecs may be triggered in sinus tissue in health and disease.
Summary: Ligands for Siglec-8 and Siglec-9 may regulate the function of eosinophils, mast cells, neutrophils, and other cells in sinus mucosa. Therapeutic strategies that activate the anti-inflammatory effects of siglecs may dampen inflammation and disease in CRS patients.