Interferon gamma causes olfactory dysfunction without concomitant neuroepithelial damage

Abstract

Chronic IFN-γ expression in the mouse OE results in diminished odorant responsiveness, despite the absence of inflammatory tissue damage. This suggests a direct effect of IFN-γ on olfactory neuron function that may underlie olfactory loss in CRSsNP or viral infections. The infiltration of submucosal lymphocytes raises the possibility that other downstream cytokines also contribute to olfactory dysfunction.