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Pharmacology of T2R Mediated Host-Microbe Interactions

Manoj Reddy Medapati1,2, Anjali Y Bhagirath1,2, Nisha Singh1,2

  • 1Manitoba Chemosensory Biology Research Group, Department of Oral Biology, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|February 13, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) detect bacterial quorum sensing molecules (QSM) and play a role in innate immunity. Further research is needed to fully understand these QSM-T2R interactions and their pharmacological properties.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) are G protein-coupled receptors involved in detecting bitter compounds.
  • Humans have 25 T2Rs that can detect bacterial quorum sensing molecules (QSM).
  • T2Rs are crucial for bitter taste sensation and innate immune responses in various tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the extraoral roles of T2Rs.
  • To explore the molecular pharmacology of QSM-T2R interactions.
  • To highlight challenges in understanding T2R pharmacology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and discussion of existing studies on T2Rs and QSM.
  • Analysis of T2R localization in extracellular vesicles.
  • Examination of QSM-T2R interactions in immune and airway epithelial cells.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial QSMs from Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria activate T2Rs in immune and airway cells.
  • T2Rs are found in extracellular vesicles, suggesting novel signaling pathways.
  • The pharmacological characterization of many QSM-T2R interactions is still poorly defined.

Conclusions:

  • T2Rs have significant extraoral roles beyond taste perception, particularly in innate immunity.
  • Understanding QSM-T2R interactions is critical for elucidating immune responses.
  • Further pharmacological studies are essential to overcome current challenges in T2R research.
Keywords:
Bitter taste receptor (T2R)G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)Host–microbe interactionsInnate immunityQuorum sensing (QS)

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