TRPV1 polymorphisms influence capsaicin cough sensitivity in men

Capsaicin, the hot component of chilli peppers, is a well-known tussive agent, which is regularly used as a tool to study cough and antitussives (1). Capsaicin is known to activate the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) cation channel which is thought to be involved in pain perception, inflammation, itch and cough (2-4). These functions within the body make TRPV1 an exciting target for research and drug development.