Type C sensory neuron (C-fiber) (C-fiber)

Type C sensory neurons, commonly known as C-fibers, are small-diameter, unmyelinated afferent nerve fibers with slow conduction velocities (0.5–2.0 m/s) (StatPearls, NBK537101). They are primarily responsible for transmitting sensations of slow, diffuse pain, temperature, and itch, and they represent the majority of peripheral sensory receptors (PubMed, 11514900). In disease states, C-fibers are central to the development of chronic, neuropathic, and inflammatory pain through mechanisms like peripheral sensitization (PMC3703245). While not a single molecular target, these neurons express key therapeutic proteins such as the TRPV1 receptor and voltage-gated sodium channels Nav1.7 and Nav1.8, which are targeted by drugs like capsaicin and local anesthetics (PubChem). Therapeutic strategies often aim to desensitize these fibers or block their electrical signaling to provide analgesia. However, a significant challenge in targeting C-fibers is the potential loss of protective nociception, which can lead to unnoticed tissue injury or impaired thermal regulation.

Other names

C-fiberGroup C nerve fiberUnmyelinated afferent fiberC-nociceptor

Modulation of ion channels (e.g., Nav1.7, Nav1.8, TRPV1) to inhibit action potential firing or induce terminal desensitization (StatPearls, NBK537101; PubChem).