Conceptual review uncovers sequential immune shifts in chronic nasopharyngeal inflammation, highlighting local mucosal breakdown and systemic neuro-immune effects.
Key Points
To synthesize mucosal immunology principles into a conceptual framework outlining the sequential immune mechanisms driving chronic nasopharyngeal inflammation and its systemic consequences.
Narrative conceptual review integrating current literature on upper airway mucosal immunology and systemic neuro-immune interactions.
Evaluation of disease progression phases, mucosal barrier breakdown, and therapeutic modalities such as Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy (EAT).
Proposes a three-stage sequential shift starting with CD4+ T-cell activation, advancing to Th17-driven mucosal barrier fragility, and culminating in CD8+ cytotoxic tissue injury.
Identifies alterations in CD4/CD8 and Th17/Treg cell ratios as critical drivers that perpetuate mucosal fragility and chronic inflammation.
Highlights how localized mucosal immune activation may engage vagal and neuroendocrine pathways to induce systemic physiological dysregulation.