Allergy refers to an abnormal adaptive immune response to non-infectious environmental
substances (allergen) that can induce various diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis,
and allergic rhinitis. In this allergic inflammation, various immune cells, such as B
cells, T cells, and mast cells, are involved and undergo complex interactions that cause a variety
of pathophysiological conditions. In immune cells, calcium ions play a crucial role in controlling
intracellular Ca2+ signaling pathways. Cations, such as Na+, indirectly modulate the
calcium signal generation by regulating cell membrane potential. This intracellular Ca2+ signaling
is mediated by various cation channels; among them, the Transient Receptor Potential
(TRP) family is present in almost all immune cell types, and each channel has a unique function
in regulating Ca2+ signals. In this review, we focus on the role of TRP ion channels in allergic
inflammatory responses in T cells and mast cells. In addition, the TRP ion channels,
which are attracting attention in clinical practice in relation to allergic diseases, and the
current status of the development of therapeutic agents that target TRP channels are discussed.
Role of TRP ion channels in physiology and pathology
