TRPA1 channel
Main function
TRPA1 acts as a warning sensor in pain-sensing nerves. It responds to irritating chemicals, tissue damage, inflammation and some cold-related signals. It helps trigger pain, burning, itching and irritation, and in the airways it helps detect inhaled irritants and trigger protective responses such as coughing.
Main body locations
Positive and negative describe interaction direction, not whether an effect is good or bad. Activating a target can have unwanted effects, while reducing or blocking it can sometimes have beneficial effects.
Increased activity
Increased TRPA1 activity can increase pain, burning, itching, irritation and sensitivity to harmful or inflammatory stimuli. In the respiratory system it can increase airway irritation and coughing. Strong or prolonged activation can later make TRPA1-containing sensory nerves less responsive, reducing these facts below baseline after the initial stimulation.
Reduced or blocked activity
Reduced or blocked TRPA1 activity can decrease pain, itching, burning and sensitivity to irritating or inflammatory stimuli. It can also reduce irritant-induced coughing and airway sensitivity.