From the Guidelines
TRPM2 plays a crucial role in immune responses during infections, and its activation can enhance the ability of immune cells to fight pathogens, but excessive activation can contribute to harmful inflammation. The relationship between TRPM2 and infection is complex, and research suggests that TRPM2 inhibitors might have therapeutic potential in certain inflammatory conditions 1. In the context of multiple myeloma, patients are at increased risk of infections due to innate immunodeficiency, therapies, and age- and disease-related conditions 1. The most frequent causes of infection in myeloma patients are Haemophilus influenzae, streptococcus pneumoniae, Gram-negative bacilli, and viruses such as influenza and herpes zoster 1.
Infection Management in Multiple Myeloma
- Infection monitoring and appropriate use of antibiotics are essential for multiple myeloma patients 1.
- Routine antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered for the first three months of therapy with immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) such as lenalidomide and pomalidomide, particularly for patients with aggressive disease, history of infectious complications, or neutropenia 1.
- The available data do not support the use of any specific antibiotic regimen 1.
TRPM2 and Infection
- TRPM2 activation in immune cells enhances their ability to fight pathogens by promoting calcium influx, which triggers antimicrobial responses including cytokine production and phagocytosis 1.
- Excessive TRPM2 activation can contribute to harmful inflammation, and research suggests that TRPM2 inhibitors might have therapeutic potential in certain inflammatory conditions 1.
- Understanding the molecular mechanism of TRPM2 helps explain why certain infections trigger stronger inflammatory responses and why some individuals may experience more severe symptoms during infectious episodes 1.
From the Research
TRPM2 and Infection
- TRPM2 is a cation channel that plays a crucial role in regulating inflammatory functions of neutrophils during infection, as shown in a study on Listeria monocytogenes infection 2.
- The study found that Trpm2-/- mice were more susceptible to L. monocytogenes infection, with increased migration rates of neutrophils and monocytes to the liver and spleen, and developed septic shock characterized by increased serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 2.
- TRPM2 has also been implicated in the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which is involved in the immune response to pathogens, through its role in mediating ROS-dependent NLRP3 activation 3.
Role of TRPM2 in Immune Response
- TRPM2 is involved in the regulation of Ca2+ mobilization and oxidative stress in neutrophils, which is essential for their antimicrobial effector functions 2.
- The channel has been shown to play a critical role in preventing tissue damage during Listeria infection by regulating the inflammatory properties of neutrophils 2.
- TRPM2 has also been implicated in the regulation of inflammation and immune system function, with implications for various diseases, including neurological and cardiovascular diseases, and cancer 4.
Implications for Human Diseases
- TRPM2 is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of various diseases, including infectious diseases, inflammatory disorders, and cancer 4.
- However, the decision to activate or inhibit TRPM2 function depends on the context and specific disease, highlighting the need for further research into the molecular mechanisms governing TRPM2 activation and regulation 4.
- A deeper understanding of TRPM2 signaling pathways and their role in human diseases could pave the way for the development of innovative therapeutics targeting TRPM2 4.