Mucolipin-2 (TRPML2) (TRPML2)

Mucolipin-2 (TRPML2) is a non-selective cation channel belonging to the mucolipin subfamily of the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily. It is primarily localized to the membranes of recycling endosomes and lysosomes, with high expression levels found in lymphoid and myeloid cells such as macrophages and B lymphocytes. TRPML2 plays a critical role in the innate immune response by regulating the trafficking and secretion of chemokines, most notably CCL2, and is upregulated following Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation. In the context of infectious diseases, TRPML2 has been shown to influence the endocytic trafficking of enveloped viruses, including Zika, Influenza A, and Yellow Fever, which can paradoxically enhance viral entry or facilitate clearance depending on the cellular context. Furthermore, TRPML2 is implicated in cancer progression, particularly in glioblastoma, where its high expression supports tumor cell viability and proliferation. Pharmacological modulation of TRPML2 using selective small-molecule agonists like ML2-SA1 is currently being explored as a strategy to enhance immune defense and correct endolysosomal trafficking defects.

Other names

MCOLN2Mucolipin TRP Cation Channel 2TRP-ML2Transient Receptor Potential Channel Mucolipin 2FLJ36691

Agonism of the TRPML2 cation channel promotes the release of calcium and sodium from endolysosomal compartments into the cytosol, which triggers vesicular trafficking, enhances the secretion of chemokines such as CCL2, and modulates immune cell activation and viral processing.