Therapeutic Effects of Intranasal Tofacitinib on Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps in Mice

Objectives The Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway play a key role in immune modulation, especially in the polarization of T helper cells. JAK inhibitors reduce inflammation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT. We investigated whether a JAK inhibitor, tofacitinib, can reduce inflammation in a mouse model of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Methods An eosinophilic CRSwNP model was induced using 4-week-old BALB/c mice. The therapeutic effects of topical tofacitinib were compared with the effects of triamcinolone acetonide (TAC). Polyp formation and eosinophilic infiltration were assessed by histology. Levels of phosphorylated STAT (pSTAT), eosinophil cationic protein, and eotaxin were measured by immunohistochemistry. Gene expression levels of GATA-3 was measured using quantitative PCR. The production of cytokines in sinonasal tissues, including interleukin IL-4, IL-5, IL-12, and interferon-gamma, were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Results Topical tofacitinib administration significantly reduced the number of polyp-like lesions and the degree of eosinophilic infiltration, with an efficacy comparable with that of systemic TAC administration. Similarly, the levels of pSTAT6, eosinophil cationic protein, and eotaxin decreased with tofacitinib treatment. Tofacitinib decreased the gene expression level of GATA-3. Lastly, tofacitinib significantly decreased IL-4 and IL-5 production to a similar extent as that by systemic or topical TAC administration. Tofacitinib, but not TAC, significantly increased the production of interferon-gamma. Conclusion Topical tofacitinib administration may be an effective treatment for eosinophilic CRSwNP by inhibiting phosphorylation of STATs. Level of Evidence N/A.Laryngoscope, 2020

Automated summary

The study demonstrated that topical tofacitinib can reduce polyp formation and eosinophilic infiltration in a mouse model of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, with efficacy comparable to systemic triamcinolone acetonide. It works by inhibiting phosphorylation of STATs, decreasing GATA-3 gene expression levels, and reducing IL-4 and IL-5 production, while increasing interferon-gamma production.