TRP channel antagonists as potential antitussives

Cough is a troublesome symptom associated with many respiratory diseases. In some instances cough can become prolonged and excessive, and chronic cough of various aetiologies is a common presentation to specialist respiratory clinics. However, current treatment options are limited. Despite its importance, our understanding of the mechanisms that provoke cough is poor. Recent investigation has focused on the interaction between G-protein-coupled receptors and ion channels expressed on airway sensory nerves that are responsible for driving the cough reflex. In particular, the Transient Receptor Potential class of ion channels appears to play a major role as a regulator of the afferent arm of the cough reflex and could be involved in the heightened cough response observed in disease states. Current research investigating the pathogenesis of cough supports the development of TRP channel inhibitors as novel and selective treatment modalities.