What does evidence indicate about the role of TRP channels in inflammatory and immune cells?

A complex network of multiple interacting mechanisms orchestrates immune and inflammatory responses. Among these, emerging evidence indicates that ion channels of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family expressed by resident tissue cells, inflammatory and immune cells, and distinct subsets of primary sensory neurons, represent a novel and interrelated system to detect and respond to harmful agents. TRP channels, by means of their direct effect on cation intracellular levels and/or through the indirect modulation of a large series of intracellular pathways, orchestrate different cellular processes such as cytokine production, cell differentiation, cytotoxicity, and other processes. The contribution of TRP channels to the transition of inflammation and immune responses from a defensive early response to a chronic and pathologic condition is also emerging as a possible underlying mechanism in various diseases. This review discusses the roles of TRP channels in inflammatory and immune cell function and provides an overview of the impact of inflammatory and immune TRP channels on the pathogenesis of human diseases.