Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent upper respiratory condition characterized by a multifaceted etiology involving various cellular and molecular processes. In recent years, researchers have increasingly recognized the significance of different forms of programmed cell death (PCD), such as apoptosis and pyroptosis, in the pathological mechanisms underlying CRS. Studies suggest that these PCD pathways not only influence the disease's progression but may also serve as novel therapeutic targets. Thus, gaining a thorough understanding of how PCD contributes to CRS is crucial for elucidating its pathogenesis and developing new treatment strategies. This article aims to investigate the mechanisms of PCD in CRS, examining its effects on disease progression and potential implications for treatment. We will begin by discussing the background of CRS and its underlying processes, followed by an exploration of the roles played by various types of PCD in CRS, and conclude with a discussion on future research directions and their practical applications.
Keywords: apoptosis; chronic rhinosinusitis; necroptosis; programmed cell death; pyroptosis.
© 2026 The Author(s). Clinical and Translational Allergy published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.