ObjectiveTo investigate the role of patternrecognition receptors (PRR), nucleotide binding oligomerization domain (Nod) like receptors (NLRs) Nod1, Nod2 in pathogenesis of nasal polyps.Methods20 specimens of nasal polyps were obtained surgically from patients with nasal polyps, and 19 of inferior turbinate mucosa as normal control were obtained from patients undergoing septoplasty due to deviation of nasal septum. Expression of Nod1, Nod2 proteins in all specimens was detected with Westernblot and immunohistochemistry respectively. And the level of IL4 in tissue homogenates from the two groups was detected by ELISA.ResultsWesternblot analyses revealed that the Nod1 level of nasal polyps group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05) while the difference of Nod2 level between the two groups was statistically insignificant. Immunohistochemical analyses showed expression of Nod1 and Nod2 in both groups, mainly in the epithelial mucosa, gland mucosa and inflammatory cells, with the same comparison results confirmed by Westernblot analyses. The level of IL4 in tissue homogenates from the nasal polyps group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05).ConclusionsNod1 may be an etiological factor in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps.