Tertiary Lymphoid Organs: A Primer for Otolaryngologists

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis: Lymphoid neogenesis or the development of organised, de novo lymphoid structures has been described increasingly in chronically inflamed tissues. The presence of tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) has already been demonstrated to result in significant consequences for disease pathology, severity, prognosis and patient outcomes. Whilst the wider medical community has embraced TLOs as important markers of disease and potential therapeutic targets, the otolaryngology field has only begun turning to these entities in an academic capacity. This review aims to outline the role of tertiary lymphoid organs in disease and summarise key early findings in the ENT field. We also an overview of TLOs, their developmental process and clinicopathological implications.Study design: Literature review. Methods: A literature search for all relevant peer-reviewed publications pertaining to TLOs and ENT diseases. Search was conducted using PubMed, Embase and CINAHL databases.Results: A total of 24 studies were identified relevant to the topic. The majority of TLO research in ENT fell into the areas of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).Conclusions: Early research into both oral SCC and CRS suggests that TLOs have significant roles within ear, nose and throat (ENT) diseases. At this point in time, however, TLOs remain somewhat a mystery amongst otolaryngologists. As information in this field increases, we may develop a better understanding of how lymphoid neogenesis can influence disease outcomes amongst our patients and, ultimately, how they can be utilised in an immunotherapeutic manner.