The role of macrophages in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is characterized by dysbiosis of nasal microbiota and dysregulation of the immune system. Macrophages are essential for protecting against infections, but their roles and mechanisms in CRSwNP are not fully understood. To date, we gradually recognize the heterogeneity of macrophages, and new subsets of macrophages have been identified at transcriptional level due to the development of single cell RNA-sequencing. In this review, we summarize the generation, polarization, phenotype identification, and function of macrophages in CRSwNP, providing a comprehensive understanding of macrophages in CRSwNP. Additionally, we also explore how macrophages interact with other cells, including epithelial cells, immune cells, and neurons, which can worsen inflammation. A better understanding of the role of macrophages could improve their ability to clear bacteria and reduce chronic inflammation in CRSwNP, which might be clinically beneficial for CRSwNP patients.