TRPV1 as a molecular target for therapeutic interventions in stomatology

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a cation channel involved in sensory perception in various tissues, including the oral cavity. This review article addresses its distribution in structures such as dental components, the oral mucosa, the trigeminal nerve, the tongue, and the salivary glands, highlighting its role in the modulation of nociception and inflammation. It also participates in tissue homeostasis and the response to chemical or thermal stimuli in oral physiology. Likewise, its role in various oral conditions, such as dentin hypersensitivity and oral squamous cell carcinoma, is analyzed since TRPV1 overexpression is associated with tumor progression. On the other hand, in the context of COVID-19, the possible relationship between TRPV1 and sensory alterations linked to the viral infection is discussed. Finally, therapeutic strategies based on the modulation of this receptor with enafis are addressed in the use of agonists and antagonists for the control of orofacial pain and the improvement of pathological conditions in the oral cavity.