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(02/24/2026) VA San Diego researchers found Veterans with military-related toxic exposures who had chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a persistent inflammatory condition of the nasal passages, had higher concentrations of mast cells than people with CRS but no toxic exposures. Mast cell accumulation promotes chronic inflammation and can exacerbate conditions such as asthma. Veterans who had longer deployments had more mast cells than other Veterans. Civilians exposed to combustion exhaust in work environments also demonstrated increased mast cells, but to a lesser degree than Veterans with burn pit exposure. The researchers believe this unique biological pattern could lead to new therapies targeting the activation of mast cells as a potential treatment for toxin-related CRS, which currently has no FDA-approved treatment. (Journal of Clinical Investigation, Feb. 10, 2026)