The ion channel TRPV1 regulates the activation and proinflammatory properties of CD4+ T cells

TRPV1 is a Ca2+-permeable channel studied mostly as a pain receptor in sensory neurons. However, its role in other cell types is poorly understood. Here we found that TRPV1 was functionally expressed in CD4+ T cells, where it acted as a non-store-operated Ca2+ channel and contributed to T cell antigen receptor (TCR)-induced Ca2+ influx, TCR signaling and T cell activation. In models of T cell-mediated colitis, TRPV1 promoted colitogenic T cell responses and intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, genetic and pharmacological inhibition of TRPV1 in human CD4+ T cells recapitulated the phenotype of mouse Trpvl(-/-) CD4+ T cells. Our findings suggest that inhibition of TRPV1 could represent a new therapeutic strategy for restraining proinflammatory T cell responses.