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In this article, we propose that differences in COVID-19 morbidity may be associated with transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and/or transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) activation as well as desensitization. TRPA1 and TRPV1 induce inflammation and play a key role in the physiology of almost all organs. They may augment sensory or vagal nerve discharges to evoke pain and several symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, nasal obstruction, vomiting, diarrhea, and, at least partly, sudden and severe loss of smell and taste. TRPA1 can be activated by reactive oxygen species and may therefore be up-regulated in COVID-19. TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels can be activated by pungent compounds including many nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2) (Nrf2)-interacting foods leading to channel desensitization. Interactions between Nrf2-associated nutrients and TRPA1/TRPV1 may be partly responsible for the severity of some of the COVID-19 symptoms. The regulation by Nrf2 of TRPA1/TRPV1 is still unclear, but suggested from very limited clinical evidence. In COVID-19, it is proposed that rapid desensitization of TRAP1/TRPV1 by some ingredients in foods could reduce symptom severity and provide new therapeutic strategies.

Original publication

DOI

10.1159/000514204

Type

Journal article

Journal

International archives of allergy and immunology

Publication Date

01/2021

Volume

182

Pages

324 - 338

Addresses

Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Comprehensive Allergy Center, Charité, and Berlin Institute of Health, Comprehensive Allergy Center, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany, jean.bousquet@orange.fr.

Keywords

Humans, Brassica, Antioxidants, Desensitization, Immunologic, Severity of Illness Index, Down-Regulation, Up-Regulation, Oxidative Stress, TRPV Cation Channels, NF-E2-Related Factor 2, Biomarkers, TRPA1 Cation Channel, Nutrients, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 Testing