Physical barrier of nasal mucosa epithelium

The physical barrier of the nasal mucosa is an anatomical and cellular structure formed primarily by epithelial cells joined by tight junctions, adherens junctions, desmosomes, and supported by mucus and cilia. This barrier functions to separate the internal body environment from external airborne particles, pathogens, allergens, and irritants, maintaining mucosal integrity and helping regulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Disruption of this barrier, through inflammation, allergens, infectious agents, or pollutants, leads to increased permeability, facilitating the onset and exacerbation of diseases such as allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis. Molecular components of this barrier, especially the junctional proteins, are subject to regulatory influences, but the "physical barrier" itself is not a molecular or classical therapeutic target.

Other names

Nasal epithelial barriernasal mucosal barrierepithelial physical barrier