Impaired barrier function in patients with house dust mite-induced allergic rhinitis is accompanied by decreased occludin and zonula occludens-1 expression

We found impaired nasal epithelial barrier function in patients with HDM-induced AR, with lower occludin and zonula occludens-1 expression. IL-4 disrupted epithelial integrity in vitro, and FP restored barrier function. Better understanding of nasal barrier regulation might lead to a better understanding and treatment of AR.