The Emerging Role of Ion Channels in the Pathophysiology and Treatments of Asthma

Abstract

Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases in the world. Although treatments and medications that can control the symptoms of asthma are available, no cure has been developed. Ion channels are transmembrane proteins that facilitate the diffusion of ions across membranes. In the airways, ion channels are involved in signalling between cells and regulation of intracellular ion concentration, which may lead to the activation of airway cells, immune cells, and neurons. This review mainly focuses on discoveries made so far in animal models and clinical trials regarding ion channels and asthma and gives some insight into developing treatments targeting ion channels.