The cation channel TRPM8 influences the differentiation and function of human monocytes

Monocytes are mononuclear phagocytes that can differentiate to a variety of cell fates under the influence of their microenvironment and hardwired commitment. We found that inhibition of TRPM8 in human blood CD14⁺ monocytes during a critical 3-h window at the beginning of their differentiation into macrophages led to enhanced survival and LPS-driven TNFα production after 24 h. TRPM8 antagonism also promoted LPS-driven TNFα production in CD14⁺ monocytes derived from the intestinal mucosa. Macrophages that had been derived for 6 days under blockade of TRPM8 had impaired phagocytic capacity and were transcriptionally distinct. Most of the affected genes were altered in a way that opposed normal monocyte to macrophage differentiation indicating that TRPM8 activity promotes aspects of this differentiation programme. Thus, we reveal a novel role for TRPM8 in regulating human CD14⁺ monocyte fate and function.