TRP Channel Cannabinoid Receptors in Skin Sensation, Homeostasis, and Inflammation

Abstract

In the skin, cannabinoid lipids, whether of endogenous or exogenous origin, are capable of regulating numerous sensory, homeostatic, and inflammatory events. Although many of these effects are mediated by metabotropic cannabinoid receptors, a growing body of evidence has revealed that multiple members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel family can act as “ionotropic cannabinoid receptors”. Furthermore, many of these same TRP channels are intimately involved in cutaneous processes that include the initiation of pain, temperature, and itch perception, the maintenance of epidermal homeostasis, the regulation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands, and the modulation of dermatitis. Ionotropic cannabinoid receptors therefore represent potentially attractive targets for the therapeutic use of cannabinoids to treat sensory and dermatological diseases. Furthermore, the interactions between neurons and other cell types that are mediated by cutaneous ionotropic cannabinoid receptors are likely to be recapitulated during physiological and pathophysiological processes in the central nervous system and elsewhere, making the skin an ideal setting in which to dissect general complexities of cannabinoid signaling.

Cannabinoids are a family of lipophilic chemical compounds that either are structurally related to the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or bind to the same classically defined pharmacological receptor sites.¹ While cannabinoids such as THC are plant-derived, other cannabinoids such as arachidonoyl ethanolamide (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) are produced endogenously in mammalian tissues. In addition, a number of synthetic molecules acting at classically defined cannabinoid receptors have been produced. Cannabinoids evoke diverse biological activities, ranging from well-characterized psychoactive effects to regulation of physiological and pathological processes such as pain, inflammation, feeding, and bone homeostasis. Many recognized actions of cannabinoids have been attributed to seven transmembrane domain-containing G protein-coupled receptors (Figure 1). The best characterized of these so-called metabotropic cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2. In addition, however, cannabinoids can activate nonmetabotropic receptors proteins, including multiple ion channels of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family² (Figure 1). Although cannabinoid-gated TRP channels may not meet all formal criteria proposed for cannabinoid receptors,³ they will be considered “ionotropic cannabinoid receptors” for the purposes of this Review, which explores the functions of these channels in one realm of biology, namely, cutaneous sensation, homeostasis, and inflammation.

Figure 1.

Comparison of metabotropic cannabinoid receptors and TRP channel ionotropic cannabinoid receptors. (A) Metabotropic receptors are seven transmembrane domain-containing proteins that signal via heterotrimeric G proteins. Typical responses resulting from the activation of Gi/Go G proteins by CB1 and CB2 receptors are shown. (B) TRP channel subunits each have six transmembranes domains. Four subunits assemble to form a function channel to mediate influx of sodium and/or calcium ions. ARD, ankyrin repeat domains.

Cannabinoid Effects in Skin

The skin possesses a robust capacity to synthesize and respond to cannabinoids.^4,5 As keratinocytes transition from the proliferative basal state, through differentiation and apical migration, to the formation of the dead stratum corneum, the abundance of anandamide increases, due in part to decreases in the expression of the cannabinoid degrading enzyme, fatty acyl amide hydrolase (FAAH). Peripheral sensory neurons in rodents produce anandamide in response to stimulation⁶ and express FAAH,⁷ CB1,⁸ and CB2.⁹ In human skin, CB1 is expressed in keratinocytes within the more differentiated epidermal layers, hair follicle cells, sebaceous glands, sensory neurons, and immune cells. CB2 is expressed in keratinocytes, sebaceous glands, sensory neurons, and immune cells^1,5,10,11 (Figure 2).

Figure 2.

Metabotropic and TRP channel cannabinoid receptor expression across skin cell types. References are listed in the text.

The functional effects of cannabinoids on skin can be divided into four general categories:

(1) Regulation of epidermal homeostasis. Cannabinoids suppress epidermal keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and promote keratinocyte apoptosis.^4,5 One mechanism for these effects involves transcriptional suppression of genes important for keratinocyte differentiation via methylation of their promoters. Whereas transcriptional suppression in this setting by anandamide and cannabidiol (CBD) is sensitive to CB1 antagonism, suppression by cannabigerol (CBG) is not.^5,12 Some proliferation and survival effects of anandamide can also be attributed to targets besides CB1 and CB2.¹³ Cannabinoid effects on epidermal homeostasis may be important in disease states. For example, CB1 activation suppresses the expression of two damage-induced keratins, keratin 6 and keratin 16. This may have relevance to psoriasis, a hyperproliferative disorder in which keratin 6 and keratin 16 are upregulated.¹⁴ Additionally, cannabinoids have been shown to modulate tumorigenesis and tumor progression in nonmelanoma skin tumors.¹⁵

(2) Regulation of pain sensation.Cannibis has been used since ancient times to treat pain, and there is extensive literature supporting a role for both endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids as modulators of pain.^1,16,17 These effects appear to be mediated in part by actions at both CB1 and CB2. While direct effects on sensory neurons account for some analgesic actions of cannabinoids, these actions may also be indirect. For example, CB2 stimulation in keratinocytes evokes the release of analgesic opioid peptides.⁹ As detailed below, however, the ability of cannabinoids to evoke pain under some circumstances may involve action at non-CB1/CB2 targets.^18,19 Although beyond the scope of this Review, it is also worth noting that endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids can modulate pain and itch through their actions in the spinal cord and brain.^16,20,21

(3) Regulation of skin inflammation. Cannabinoids exert anti-inflammatory effects in skin, through both their actions on keratinocyte cytokine production and their modulation of immune cells.²² For example, THC attenuates allergic contact dermatitis in mice sensitized and subsequently challenged with the hapten dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). Conversely, pharmacological inhibition or knockout of CB1 and/or CB2 in mice augments DNFB induced dermatitis.²³ The levels of both anandamide and 2-AG increase in mouse skin during experimental allergic contact dermatitis. In the case of 2-AG, this effect is even greater in the absence of CB1. Moreover, DNFB treatment decreases CB1 mRNA and increases CB2 mRNA.²³ Thus, endocannabinoids and their receptors constitute part of an adaptive system to regulate cutaneous inflammation. As with other cutaneous processes, not all of the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids depend upon CB1 and CB2. For example, THC can inhibit both T Cell production of interferon γ and interferon γ-induced keratinocyte release of the cytokines and chemokines, even in CB1/CB2 double knockout mice,²⁴ while the anti-inflammatory effect of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in contact dermatitis appears to involve TRP channels, rather than CB receptors.²⁵

(4) Regulation of skin appendages. Cannabinoids also exert modulatory effects on the development, maintenance, and function of hair follicles and sebaceous glands.⁴ For example, both anandamide and THC suppress hair shaft elongation and promote regression of cultured human hair follicles. These effects are at least partially CB1 dependent. Both anandamide and 2-AG promote sebum production by cultured human sebocytes through a CB2 dependent mechanism.⁴ As described below, however, some of these effects of cannabinoids may be mediated, in part, by TRP channels.

The TRP Ion Channel Family

The TRP family of ion channels owes its name to the fact that its first identified member, the Drosophila protein Transient Receptor Potential, is a calcium-permeable ion channel whose genetic absence results in a transient electrophysiological response of the Drosophila photoreceptor cells to light. Humans express 27 TRP channels that can be divided on the basis of their primary structures into 6 subfamilies: TRPA (ankyrin), TRPC (canonical), TRPM (melastatin), TRPML (mucolipin), TRPP (polycystin), and TRPV (vanilloid). The canonical subfamily most closely resembles the original TRP channel identified in Drosophila photoreceptors. The remaining subfamilies are named on the basis of the first member of each to be identified.²⁶

Functional TRP channels consist of four subunits, and may be homo- or heterotetrameric. TRP channel subunits contain six transmembrane domains, with the amino- and carboxyl-termini located in the cytoplasm (Figure 1). Transmembrane domains 5 and 6 from each subunit, together with the intervening loop, line the pore through which ions flow. In some subfamilies (TRPA, TRPC, TRPV), a sequence of 4–16 sequential ankyrin repeat domains is located in the amino terminus. TRP channels are invariably cation selective. However, whereas a few TRP channels are highly calcium or sodium selective, most can be permeated by a range of monovalent and divalent cations.²⁶

Every cell in the body expresses at least one TRP channel subtype. However, the expression of some subtypes is relatively restricted. For example, TRPV1, TRPA1, and TRPM8 are most highly enriched in particular subpopulations of peripheral sensory neurons. TRP channels have been implicated in many physiological processes, ranging from pain, itch and temperature sensation, and regulation of cardiovascular function to regulation of neurotransmitter release, embryological development, and immune function. Accordingly, TRP channel dysfunction has been linked to numerous disease states.^26,27

TRP Channels, Cannabinoids, and Skin

As described above, many actions of cannabinoids in skin and elsewhere cannot be explained solely on the basis of actions at metabotropic CB receptors. Several members of the TRP channel family can be activated or inhibited by endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and/or synthetic cannabinoids. The following summary highlights the best-characterized of these interactions and emerging roles for TRP channel ionotropic cannabinoid receptors in skin biology.

TRPV1

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a nonselective cation channel that was originally discovered as the pharmacological site of action of pungent vanilloid compounds such as capsaicin. TRPV1 is highly enriched in a subset of peripheral sensory neurons that are important for the detection of painful stimuli. Besides vanilloid compounds, TRPV1 can alternatively be activated by certain other painful stimuli, including protons, ethanol, and noxious heat (>42 °C). Genetic elimination of TRPV1 results in loss of vanilloid-evoked behavioral and physiological pain-related responses, as well as a reduction (but not elimination) of responses to painful heat.²⁸ Approximately 15 years ago, Zygmunt and colleagues made the surprising discovery that anandamide could activate both recombinant and native TRPV1.²⁹ Since then, a number of other cannabinoids of endogenous and exogenous origin have been reported to be capable of activating TRPV1. These include the endocannabinoids, N-arachidonyl dopamine (NADA), N-oleoyl dopamine (NODA),¹⁹ and monoacylglycerols such as 2-AG,³⁰ the phytocannabinoid CBD,³¹ and the synthetic cannabinoid, arachidonoyl-2-chloroethanolamine³² (Table 1).

Table 1. Summary of TRP Channel Ionotropic Cannabinoid Receptors and Their Regulators^a.

TRP channel ionotropic cannabinoid receptor	cannabinoid ligands	ref	non-cannabinoid agonists	ref
TRPA1	Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabidiol acid, cannabigerol, cannabichromene, WIN 55,212-2, AM251, AM630	(2, 46−48)	mustard oil, cinnamaldehyde, acrolein,formaldehyde, icilin, 4-hydroxynonenol, PGJ2, cold?, mechanical?, Ca2+	(46)
TRPM8	cannabinogerol	(106)	menthol, icilin, cold (<27 °C)	(105)
TRPV1	anandamide, N-arachidonoyl dopamine, N-oleoyl dopamine, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol palmitoylethanolamide, cannabidiol, arachidonoyl-2- chloroethanolamine	(29−33)	capsaicin, resiniferatoxin, protons, ethanol, 2-APB, heat (>45 °C)	(28, 67)
TRPV2	Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabinol	(68, 69)	osmolarity, PI3 kinase activity, probenecid, 2-APB, heat (>52 °C)	(62−67)
TRPV3	cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabivarin, cannabigerovarin, cannabigerolic acid	(81)	camphor, carvacrol, thymol, 2- APB, incensole acetate, heat (>32 °C)	(67, 75−80)
TRPV4	cannabidivarin, tetrahydrocannabivarin cannabigerovarin, cannabigerolic acid, cannabinol, cannabigerol	(81)	osmolarity, epoxy- eicosatetraenoic acids, 4α-PDD, bisandrographolide A, GSK1016790A, heat (>27 °C)	(95, 96)

^aUnder cannabinoid ligands, agonists are in normal text and desensitizing agents are in italic text. 2-APB, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate; PGJ2, prostaglandin J2; 4αPDD, 4α-phorbol didecanoate.

TRPV1 Involvement in Pain and Itch Sensation

As described above, sensory neuron-expressed TRPV1 is an important mediator of cutaneous pain in response to certain chemical and thermal stimuli. In addition, recent studies have implicated TRPV1 as an indirect mediator of histaminergic itch.³³

TRPV1 as a Trigger for Neurogenic Inflammation

It has long been recognized that capsaicin evokes not only the perception of pain, and associated nocifensive behaviors, but also strong local edema and flare responses. This inflammatory process has been named neurogenic inflammation, since it arises from the release of two potent vasoactive neuropeptides, calcitonin gene related polypeptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP), from a subpopulation of peptidergic nociceptor terminals and involves both vasodilation and plasma extravasation.³⁴ TRPV1 is highly enriched in these peptidergic neurons, and TRPV1 gene deletion eliminates capsaicin-evoked paw swelling in mice.²⁸ Thus, neuronal peptide release represents one important mechanism by which TRPV1 can evoke skin inflammation.

TRPV1 as a Modulator of Dermatitis

Animal studies have linked TRPV1 to two common skin conditions, atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Some studies have pointed toward a pro-inflammatory role for TRPV1 in these conditions. For example, the TRPV1 antagonist PAC-14028 reduced serum IgG and IgE rises, dermal mast cell degranulation, skin thickening, and scratching behavior in NC/Nga mice treated serially with Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) or systemically sensitized and then topically challenged with the contact allergen, oxazolone (Oxa).^35,36 TRPV1 expression in skin and its phosphorylation were both increased in the Df model, which was considered by the authors to be a mouse model of atopic dermatitis. The same group also showed that PAC-14028 improved recovery of the skin barrier following exposure to either Df or Oxa.³⁶ Curiously, a different conclusion arose from a study of Oxa-induced dermatitis in TRPV1 knockout mice.³⁷ These investigators observed augmented Oxa-induced ear edema in C57BL/6 mice lacking TRPV1, compared with wild-type C57BL/6 controls, despite similar levels of neutrophil recruitment. In wild-type mice, inactivation of TRPV1 expressing sensory terminals with the vanilloid, resiniferatoxin, similarly augmented Oxa-induced ear edema. The anti-inflammatory role of TRPV1 inferred from these results could not be attributed to either CGRP or SP release. The authors concluded, instead, that the TRPV1 must also trigger the release of one or more anti-inflammatory agents from peptidergic nerve terminals. Why might interference with TRPV1 function suppress Oxa-induced inflammation in one study and augment it in another? Lifelong absence of TRPV1 in the knockout studies might have resulted in compensatory effects in other systems that regulate cutaneous inflammation. Another possibility is that PAC-14028 may act on non-TRPV1 targets. The use of immunologically distinct mouse strains and differences in the doses and anatomical sites of Oxa administration between studies may represent two additional confounding variables.

Cannabinoids and TRPV1 in Skin

Certain dose-dependent cannabinoid effects in skin have been attributed to both direct and indirect modulation of TRPV1. For example, at 100 nM, both anandamide and THC were found to inhibit heat- or capsaicin-evoked CGRP release from rat skin, an effect that could be inhibited by CB1 antagonism or CB1 gene knockout. At 100 μM, however, anandamide or THC alone were sufficient to stimulate CGRP release, effects that could be inhibited by the TRPV1 antagonist, BCTC, or by TRPV1 gene knockout.³⁸ Similar effects of anandamide on TRPV1 were observed by other investigators, who concluded that these effects depend upon the TRPV1 phosphorylation state.⁶ Furthermore, both NADA and NODA produce thermal hyperalgesia in rodents by acting at TRPV1.¹⁹ Another endocannabinoid, PEA was found to inhibit DNFB-evoked allergic contact dermatitis in mice through a mechanism that was suppressed by the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine.²⁵ In the same study, PEA inhibited cytokine expression in human keratinocyte-derived HaCaT cells, an effect that could be blocked by the TRPV1 antagonist, iodoresiniferatoxin. Anandamide has also been shown to suppress proliferation and promote cell death in human keratinocytes in culture, both through actions on CB1 and by activating TRPV1-mediated calcium influx.¹³

Together, the findings described above support a model in which cannabinoids indirectly suppress TRPV1 effects on pain and inflammation, by acting at CB1, but directly activate TRPV1 at higher concentrations. However, even the effect of CB1 on TRPV1 may not always be inhibitory. In one study, CB1 knockout mice exhibited deficits in capsaicin-evoked nociceptive responses, CGRP release, and afferent firing similar to those seen in TRPV1 KO mice. Inverse agonists of CB1 also suppressed capsaicin-evoked calcium influx in sensory neuron-derived cells. The authors interpreted these findings as indicating that tonic CB1 activity somehow maintains TRPV1 in a state competent for agonist activation.³⁹ CB2 agonists were found to suppress TRPV1 mediated responses in human DRG neurons.¹⁰ Thus, cannabinoids modulate TRPV1 by multiple CB-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

TRPV1 in Human Skin

Capsaicin-evoked flare responses, heat-evoked pain, and UVB-induced heat hyperalgesia can all be inhibited in human skin by selective TRPV1 antagonists.⁴⁰ Moreover, topical anandamide has been shown to trigger vasodilation in human skin through a mechanism that could be blocked by the TRPV1 antagonist, capsazepine. Interestingly, although anandamide could evoke pain at high concentrations, its vasodilatory effect was achieved at concentrations that were not associated with pain, suggesting a disconnect between influences on afferent versus efferent neuronal activities.¹⁸ TRPV1-like immunoreactivity has been observed in human epidermal nerve fibers.⁴¹ Other human skin cell types, besides sensory neurons, also appear to express this channel (Figure 2). For example, TRPV1-like immunoreactivity has been reported in human mast cells, hair follicle outer root sheath epithelial cells, and keratinocytes.^42,43 In cultured human hair follicles, TRPV1 activation suppressed hair shaft elongation, promoted apoptosis, inhibited proliferation, and promoted transition to catagen,⁴² all reminiscent of the effects of cannabinoids. TRPV1 expression has also been reported in human dendritic cells (DCs), where its activation suppresses differentiation,⁴⁴ providing an additional potential site of action during allergic contact dermatitis. Finally, cutaneous TRPV1 expression levels change in some human dermatological conditions. For example, TRPV1 mRNA was found to be upregulated in rosacea in humans, although neither the cellular source of the mRNA nor TRPV1 protein levels were assessed in that study.⁴⁵

TRPA1

Another TRP channel target of cannabinoids is transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), so-named because of the existence of 16 ankyrin repeats in its amino terminal domain.⁴⁶ TRPA1 is most robustly expressed in a subset of TRPV1-expressing peptidergic sensory neurons (Figure 2). Most of the identified TRPA1 agonists are irritant electrophiles such as allyl isothiocyanate (mustard oil), cinnamaldehyde, and formaldehyde. Electrophiles activate TRPA1 by covalently alkylating intracellular cysteine residues located among the ankyrin repeats. Endogenous electrophillic TRPA1 agonists include 4-hydroxynonenol and prostaglandin J2. TRPA1 can alternatively be activated by noncovalent chemical agonists. Examples include intracellular calcium ions and, most relevant to this Review, the phytocannabinoids, THC, CBD, CBD acid, cannabigerol, and cannabichromene, and the synthetic cannabinoids, WIN 55,212-2, AM251, and AM630^2,47,48 (Table 1).

TRPA1 Involvement in Pain and Itch Sensation

TRPA1 participates in both acute pain sensation and hyperalgesia. Pain related responses triggered by covalent TRPA1 agonists are reduced by pharmacological antagonism of TRPA1 or by genetic deletion of this channel in mice.⁴⁶ TRPA1 also appears to act as a mediator of painful mechanosensation and cold nociception, following inflammation.^49,50 In humans, a gain-of-function mutation in TRPA1 results in the familial episodic pain syndrome, a condition characterized by bouts of pain triggered by physiological stress.²⁷ There is also strong evidence for the participation of TRPA1 in the perception of both acute and chronic itch. This results in part from sensory neuron-expressed TRPA1 acting downstream of signaling by G protein-coupled receptors for itch-producing peptides or monoamines.⁵¹ Neuron-expressed TRPA1 can also act downstream of receptors for thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a factor released from keratinocytes following stimulation with histamine.⁵²

TRPA1 as a Positive Regulator of Neurogenic Inflammation and Dermatitis

TRPA1 agonists produce robust neurogenic inflammation in skin, which can be ablated by either pharmacological antagonism or genetic elimination of TRPA1.^53,54 There is also a positive role for TRPA1 in allergic contact dermatitis. In the Oxa model, the TRPA1 antagonist HC-030031 inhibited eosinophil and lymphocyte infiltration, epidermal thickening, interleukin 1β production, and plasma extravasation. Oxa increased skin expression of 4-hydroxynonenol, providing a potential means of TRPA1 activation in this model. Furthermore, TRPA1 knockout mice exhibited reduced epidermal thickening and reduced skin expression of inflammatory cytokines in this model.⁵⁵ TRPA1 antagonism similarly ameliorated dermatitis in an interleukin 13 overexpressing transgenic mouse model of atopic dermatitis.⁵⁶ Cutaneous TRPA1 apparently also plays a pro-inflammatory role in some nonallergic skin conditions. For example, in the acetone–ether–water model of chronic dry skin, genetic elimination of TRPA1 not only diminished itch-related behavioral responses, but also suppressed epidermal thickening and the cutaneous upregulation of numerous genes, including keratin 6, aquaporin 3, and IL33.⁵²

Nonneuronal Roles for TRPA1 in Skin

Neurogenic mechanisms undoubtedly account for some of the proinflammatory cutaneous effects of TRPA1 described above. However, TRPA1 expression has also been reported in human⁵⁷ and mouse⁵⁸ keratinocytes (Table 1). This raises the possibility that alterations in inflammatory responses in TRPA1 knockout mice might additionally reflect changes in the innate immune responses of these cells. TRPA1 mRNA and/or immunoreactivity have also been observed in human dermal fibroblasts and melanocytes.^57,59,60 In human melanocytes, TRPA1 regulates cytokine expression levels⁴⁶ and mediates the early phase melanin synthesis response to ultraviolet B irradiation, implying a role for this channel in photoprotection.⁵⁹ Whether TRPA1 might also contribute to the pathophysiology of melanoma remains unclear.⁶⁰

Cannabinoids and TRPA1–TRPV1 Interactions

Although TRPA1 and TRPV1 are capable of functioning as independent channels, they are coexpressed in a subset of peripheral sensory neurons, and growing evidence suggests that these channels can functionally interact. For example, TRPV1 and TRPA1 can cross-desensitize one another when acted upon by their respective agonists.⁶¹ Cannabinoids that preferentially activate TRPA1 versus TRPV1 have helped to dissect these processes. For example, WIN 55,212-2 activates TRPA1 to trigger desensitization of TRPV1, whereas the TRPV1-selective cannabinoid agonist arachidonoyl-2-chloroethanolamine desensitizes TRPA1. The mechanisms underlying this reciprocal cross-desensitization are complex, and likely not identical. TRPA1 and TRPV1 can bind to one another, though whether this binding involves the formation of heterotetramers versus binding between two different homotetrameric channels remains unclear. Regardless, the functional interaction of TRPV1 and TRPA1 offers a potential mechanism by which cannabinoids might regulate not only pain and itch perception, but also cutaneous inflammation.

TRPV2

TRPV2 is a nonselective cation channel widely expressed in sensory neurons, immune cells, and a variety of other cell types⁶²⁻⁶⁵ (Figure 2). This channel can be activated by very high temperatures (>52 °C), 2-aminoethoxy diphenylborate (2-APB), probenecid, and various stimuli, including hypoosmolarity and formyl peptide receptors, that trigger phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling.^{62−64,66,67} PI3K signaling appears to regulate TRPV2 both by promoting its translocation to the cell surface and by activating channels that are on the surface. In addition, however, it was recently shown that TRPV2 can be activated directly by the cannabinoids THC, CBD, and cannabinol (CBN)^68,69 (Table 1).

TRPV2 Involvement in Pain Sensation

AlthoughTRPV2 is robustly expressed in peripheral sensory neurons,⁶² extensive examination of pain responses in TRPV2 knockout mice failed to reveal an obvious role for this channel in thermal or mechanical nociception.⁷⁰

TRPV2 Involvement in Inflammation

TRPV2 might participate in neurogenic inflammation. CBD could evoke the release of CGRP from cultured rat sensory neurons, and this response could be partially blocked by siRNA knockdown of TRPV2.⁶⁹ In addition, TRPV2 is expressed in many immune cells found in the skin, and has been implicated in regulation of mast cell degranulation,⁶⁵ dendritic cell endocytosis,⁷¹ and macrophage motility, phagocytosis, and cytokine release.^64,72,73 TRPV2 has also been shown to regulate NLRP3 inflammasome activity.⁷⁴ However, no examinations of cutaneous homeostatic or inflammatory processes in animals lacking TRPV2 or treated with highly selective TRPV2 antagonists have been reported. In humans, TRPV2-like immunoreactivity and mRNA levels were increased in skin of patients with rosacea.⁴⁵ In another study, TRPV2-like immunoreactivity was observed in human cutaneous peptidergic nerve fibers.⁴¹ However, the specificities of the anti-TRPV2 antibodies used in these studies were not established. Thus, while there is abundant circumstantial evidence of TRPV2 involvement in skin biology, more studies will be necessary to clearly define any such roles.

TRPV3

TRPV3 is most highly expressed in skin keratinocytes and in the hair follicle bulge, although there is also evidence for its expression in sensory neurons, brain, and other cell types⁷⁵⁻⁷⁷ (Figure 2). TRPV3 can be activated by warm temperatures (>32 °C) and by chemical stimuli that include 2-APB⁶⁷and plant-derived compounds such as camphor, carvacrol, and incensole acetate.⁷⁸⁻⁸⁰ With respect to cannabinoids, it was recently reported that CBD and tetrahydrocannabivarin both act as TRPV3 agonists, whereas cannabigerovarin and cannabigerolic acid can both desensitize TRPV3⁸¹ (Table 1).

TRPV3 Involvement in Pain, Temperature, and Itch Perception

TRPV3 knockout mice were initially observed to exhibit a prolonged latency to heat-evoked behavioral withdrawal and to exhibit delayed selection of preferred temperatures on a thermal gradient.⁷⁸ However, in later studies conducted on more uniform genetic backgrounds, the thermosensation phenotypes were more modest, were confined to mice on the 129S6 or 129S1/SvlmJ backgrounds, and in one case were seen only in females.^82,83 In another study, TRPV3 knockout mice on the ICR genetic background subjected to the acetone–ether–water model of chronic dry skin exhibited reduced scratching behavior, compared with wild-type controls.⁸⁴ Whether this reflects a role for TRPV3 in the generation of pruritogenic substances or a role in the detection of these substances by sensory neurons was not established. Pain and itch arising from genetic mutation of TRPV3 in humans is discussed below.

TRPV3 Involvement in Epidermal Homeostasis and Dermatitis

Studies of both global and keratinocyte-specific TRPV3 knockout mice have revealed that this channel is critical for normal epidermal differentiation and hair morphology. Late embryonic TRPV3 knockout mice exhibited premature epidermal differentiation, compromised epidermal barrier function, abnormal corneocytes, and reduced epidermal transglutaminase activity. Many of these changes appeared to resolve over time. In addition, throughout life, TRPV3 knockout mice exhibited curly whiskers and abnormalities in body fur.⁸⁵ The authors of that study went on to show that the TRPV3 knockout cutaneous phenotypes likely arise from the fact that calcium influx through TRPV3 normally triggers the release of the epidermal growth factor receptor ligand transforming growth factor α from keratinocytes. TRPV3 activation has also been reported to inhibit growth of human hair.⁸⁶

Point mutations in TRPV3 can have profound effects on skin. Missense mutations affecting TRPV3 residue Gly573 (substitutions to Ser and Cys, respectively) were found in two separate hereditary animal models of spontaneous alopecia, the hairless DS-Nh mouse and the SBN/Kob-Ht rat.⁸⁷ The channels encoded by these mutant genes exhibit a high level of constitutive activity without exogenous stimulation.⁸⁸ DS-Nh mice also exhibit signs of spontaneous dermatitis, resembling human atopic dermatitis.⁸⁷ Interestingly, the dermatitis phenotype was incompletely penetrant, and depended heavily on both the genetic background and whether the mice were housed under specific pathogen-free conditions. Genetic background also influenced the ability of the Gly573 Ser mutation to augment the predilection of mice toward chemically evoked allergic contact dermatitis.⁸⁹ Thus, while TRPV3 gain-of-function mutations can profoundly impact skin homeostasis and inflammation, the precise phenotype achieved appears subject to numerous endogenous and environmental variables.

TRPV3 in Human Skin Disease

Strikingly, the ability of mutations at TRPV3 Gly573 to cause dermatological disease is not confined to rodents. Using whole exome sequencing, Lin et al. discovered that genetic mutations altering the same TRPV3 residue in humans (Gly573Ser, Gly573Cys) or a residue elsewhere in TRPV3 (Trp692 Gly) were responsible for Olmsted syndrome.⁹⁰ This rare and devastating congenital skin disorder is characterized by extreme epidermal thickening on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (i.e., palmoplantar keratoderma) as well as keratotic lesions that surround the mouth, nose, anus, and ears. These histological changes are typically accompanied by intense itching. Hair loss and deformities of the digits, including autoamputation, are also observed in some individuals. The Olmsted-associated human TRPV3 mutant variants, like the homologous rodent mutants, exhibited robust spontaneous activity when transfected into cell lines. These mutants also triggered apoptosis in transfected cells, and, accordingly, histological examination revealed an increase in apoptosis in skin from Olmsted syndrome patients.⁹⁰ It has been speculated that the pathophysiology of Olmsted syndrome might not be explained solely by abnormal TRPV3 function in keratinocytes, but might also involve immune dysfunction arising in other cells, such as cutaneous Langerhans cells.⁹¹ More recently, additional TRPV3 mutations were identified in patients with Olmsted syndrome, including several that had been inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. Some of the affected patients experienced not only plantar keratoderma, but also erythromelalgia, an intermittent reddening of the skin accompanied by intense pain, itch, warmth, and vasodilation.^92,93 Thus, TRPV3 mutations can cause a spectrum of severe dermatological, immunological, and sensory phenotypes.

Whether endogenous cannabinoids contribute to the pathophysiology of these conditions, or whether exogenous cannabinoids might be useful to treat patients with TRPV3 mutations, remains to be determined. It is also not yet clear whether abnormalities in TRPV3 sequence, expression, or regulation might lead to other dermatological diseases. Increases in TRPV3 mRNA expression and TRPV3-like immunoreactivity were reported in skin of rosacea patients.⁴⁵ Furthermore, weak acids, upon entry into keratinocytes, were shown to trigger activation of TRPV3 and promote apoptosis. The authors of that study speculated that this might constitute a mechanistic basis for cosmetic “acid peel” skin exfoliation procedures.⁹⁴

TRPV4

TRPV4, like TRPV3, is expressed in skin keratinocytes, as well as various other epithelial and endothelial cell types (Figure 2). There is also evidence for TRPV4 expression in both sensory and motor neurons. TRPV4 was originally identified as a channel that could be gated by changes in osmolarity.^95,96 Additional endogenous TRPV4 agonists include certain epoxyeichosatetraenoic acid derivatives, and warm temperatures (>27 °C). Exogenous agonists include the phytochemical bisandrographolide A, the phorbol ester 4α-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4α-PDD), and a host of molecules identified via high-throughput screening, such as GSK1016790A. Recently, two phytocannabinoids, cannabidivarin and tetrahydrocannabivarin, were shown to stimulate TRPV4, while cannabigerovarin, cannabigerolic acid, cannabinol, and cannabigerol were shown to desensitize this channel⁸¹ (Table 1). In addition, anandamide and 2-AG can act as precursors for epoxyeichosatetraenoic acid-derived TRPV4 agonists.⁹⁵ Studies using TRPV4 agonists and examination of TRPV4 knockout mice have implicated this channel in numerous physiological processes, ranging from vasodilation, reflex bladder contraction, and saliva secretion to pain and osmoregulation.^95,97 Genetic mutations in human TRPV4 have been linked to both neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., type IV Charcot-Marie tooth disease) and skeletal disorders (e.g., brachyolmia).²⁷

TRPV4 Involvement in Pain Sensation

Multiple lines of evidence support a role for TRPV4 in pain sensation. TRPV4 knockout mice were found to exhibit reduced acute mechanically evoked pain behaviors.^97,98 In addition, genetic elimination or downregulation of TRPV4 suppressed mechanical hypersensitivity in rodents challenged with insults such as chemotherapeutic agents,⁹⁹ or complete Freund’s adjuvant.¹⁰⁰ TRPV4 knockout mice also exhibited modest defects in heat-evoked pain sensation,¹⁰¹ though this phenotype was virtually absent in TRPV3/TRPV4 double knockout mice.⁸² Thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity following UVB irradiation of the skin were found to be diminished in mice lacking TRPV4 selectively in keratinocytes. One possible contributor to this phenotype was the absence of TRPV4-dependent synthesis and release of endothelin 1 from UVB treated keratinocytes.¹⁰²

TRPV4 Involvement in Epidermal Homeostasis and Dermatitis

TRPV4 appears to be important for the temperature-dependent formation of normal epithelial tight junctions between skin keratinocytes in both mice and humans. This function involves TRPV4-dependent calcium entry, with subsequent activation of Rho kinases and actin rearrangement. Mice lacking TRPV4 were reported to exhibit impaired epidermal barrier function. They also exhibited a thickened stratum corneum, perhaps as a reaction to the former deficit.^103,104 TRPV4 may also participate in certain forms of cutaneous inflammation. For example, the keratinocyte-selective knockout of the TRPV4 gene not only reduces pain arising from UVB irradiation, but also suppresses irradiation induced skin damage and inflammatory cell recruitment. The latter may stem, in part, from reduced UVB induced secretion of cytokines such as interleukin 6 from keratinocytes lacking TRPV4. Correspondingly, human skin overexposed to UV light exhibited upregulation of TRPV4.¹⁰² Moreover, in skin from patients with rosacea, although the mRNA levels of TRPV4 were not different from those in healthy skin, an increase in TRPV4-like immunoreactivity was observed in dermal cells that resembled macrophages and T cells.⁴⁵

TRPM8

TRPM8 is expressed prominently in a subpopulation of nonpeptidergic small-diameter sensory neurons, and can be activated by either cold temperatures or menthol (Figure 2). In mice, this channel is essential for cutaneous discrimination of mildly cold temperatures, and also appears to play both positive and negative roles in cold-evoked pain sensation.¹⁰⁵ TRPM8 can also be activated by the cannabinoid CBG¹⁰⁶ (Table 1). Immunoreactivity for TRPM8 has been demonstrated in human skin, and is reduced in patients with congenital insensitivity to pain.⁴¹ As of yet, TRPM8 has not been linked to skin homeostasis or dermatitis. However, its activation was recently shown to suppress chemically evoked irritation and inhibit TRPV1-mediated CGRP release in colon tissue.¹⁰⁷ Thus, potential anti-inflammatory effects of this channel in skin should be explored.

In summary, cannabinoids can engage numerous targets within the skin, including not only metabotropic receptors, but also multiple members of the TRP family of ion channels. Cutaneous ionotropic cannabinoid receptors participate in functions related to pain and itch perception, epidermal homeostasis, and the promotion and suppression of dermatitis in both animal models and humans. This situation creates potential opportunities to intervene therapeutically in sensory and inflammatory skin diseases using the chemically rich pharmacology of cannabinoids. In addition, the experimental accessibility of the skin makes this organ an excellent one in which to uncover principles of intercellular cannabinoid signaling that may be generalizable to the CNS and other less accessible tissues. The value of such an experimentally tractable system is amplified by the multiple examples, described above, in which the effects of a given cannabinoid or a given change in TRP channel activity can produce distinct outcomes, depending on the biological and pharmacological circumstances.

Supported by Grants NIAMS AR-62826 and NIDCR DE022750 to M.J.C. and by the Neurosurgery Pain Research Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

The authors declare the following competing financial interest(s): M.J.C. is an inventor on a patent on the use of products related to TRPV1, which is licensed through UCSF and Merck and a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of Hydra Biosciences. These conflicts are being managed by the Johns Hopkins Office on Policy Coordination.

Funding Statement

National Institutes of Health, United States