Taste receptor type 2 member activation on airway epithelium

Taste receptor type 2 members (T2Rs), also known as bitter taste receptors, are a family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed in airway epithelium. Upon activation by bitter compounds, including bacterial products, T2Rs trigger innate immune responses such as nitric oxide production, antimicrobial peptide secretion, and ciliary movement, contributing to host defense against pathogens. They also mediate airway smooth muscle relaxation. Dysfunction in T2R pathways may contribute to susceptibility or response differences in conditions like asthma or chronic rhinosinusitis.

Other names

T2RBitter taste receptor activation on airway epithelium

T2R activation triggers an increase in intracellular calcium, leading to downstream effects such as nitric oxide production, antimicrobial peptide secretion, and ciliary beat frequency enhancement, as well as airway smooth muscle relaxation.