dRutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ
eMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, NY
Abstract
The Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) protein, originally recognized for its role in modulating peripheral sensory neurons and transmitting pain and itch signals, has been increasingly implicated in various dermatological processes. TRPV1 is widely expressed in skin cells, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and mast cells, making it a promising target for treating inflammatory skin diseases, skin sensitivity, wound healing, and aging. Activation of TRPV1 by environmental stressors, such as heat and ultraviolet (UV) exposure, induces pro-inflammatory responses and contributes to the degradation of collagen, exacerbating conditions like chronic itch, atopic dermatitis, and dermatoheliosis. This study evaluates the effectiveness of topical formulations containing a sea anemone biomimetic peptide (SABMP), a TRPV1 antagonist, in improving skin texture, elasticity, hydration, and rejuvenation. Clinical trials involved participants with self-perceived sensitive skin, who applied the test formulations for 4 weeks. Results demonstrated significant improvements in skin texture, elasticity, and reductions in erythema and fine lines, highlighting the potential of TRPV1-targeting peptides as an alternative to conventional treatments like retinoids and Vitamin C, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin. The study underscores the clinical utility of TRPV1 antagonism in skin care, offering a novel approach to managing skin sensitivity and aging. These findings suggest that TRPV1-targeting peptides can provide a safe and effective treatment modality for enhancing skin quality and addressing conditions such as atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and acne.
Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 protein (TRPV1) first became significant because of its ability to modulate peripheral sensory neurons and transmit pain and itch signals. This novel discovery was the recipient of the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 2021. Studies before, and since then, have shown that TRPV1 is widely expressed in keratinocytes, skin fibroblasts, dermal vascular endothelial cells, dendritic cells, sweat gland duct cells, and mast cells warranting a curiosity about its utility for inflammatory skin diseases, skin sensitivity, wound healing, and cutaneous aging.1,2 Stimulated by heat, capsaicin, and acidic environments, TRPV1 creates a proinflammatory environment marked by interleukin (IL)-31 known to cause pruritus. TRPV1 also releases substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) which are vasodilators that lead to local edema, erythema, and inflammatory mediators.
Because of TRPV1's widespread presence in the skin, antagonists or down regulators of this receptor can be used for common dermatological concerns and conditions (Figure 1). Chronic itch, for instance, can develop from a combination of neuropathic, psychogenic, and dermatological diseases as seen in atopic dermatitis (AD), prurigo nodularis, and psoriasis.3 Rhytids
