Taste Receptors to Bitter Taste in the Bronchial Asthma

To date, the expression of bitter taste receptors in the respiratory system (in particular, on the human smooth muscle cells of bronchi, on the epithelial cells of the lungs), as well as on lymphocytes, macrophages, mast cells and other cells. In many ways, the function of these receptors to bitter taste (TAS2R) is not yet clear. Possible ways of involvement of the TAS2R-signaling system in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma are discussed. The involvement of TAS2R in the bronchi smooth muscle relaxation, inhibition of the production of inflammatory mediators is considered. TAS2R is expressed on mobile cilia of human bronchial epithelial cells, giving them chemosensory properties. The presence of the TAS2R-signaling system in the cilia gives them autonomy regarding the identification of a harmful signal (bitter substance) followed by the elimination of this dangerous substance by these cells. The role of TAS2R in mucociliary clearance, production of nitric oxide (NO), a direct antibacterial effect, an individual predisposition to respiratory infection is studied. Possible involvement of TAS2R in the pathogenesis of inflammation at the level of the upper respiratory tract, especially in rhinosinusitis, is discussed. Further development of the problem promises discoveries, both in the development of new therapeutic approaches in bronchial asthma, and in the understanding at a new level of the common, fundamental processes that underlie the diverse pathology associated with the oldest protective sensory system - the gustatory system.