Data from: Diethylcarbamazine elicits calcium signals in HEK293 cells by activation of heterologously expressed Brugia malayi TRP-2b channels

The mode of action of diethylcarbamazine is still not well understood, with the consensus that it acts on the host immune system, rather than directly acting on the adult parasite. Recent studies have found that diethylcarbamazine acts on the muscle of adult female Brugia malayi, generating temporary spastic paralysis mainly through the Transient Potential Receptor C (TRPC) orthologue TRP-2.

Activation of TRP-2 leads to inward currents in the muscle, an increase in intracellular calcium, and subsequent muscle contraction. These studies have demonstrated that Brugia malayi TRP-2 is activated by diethylcarbamazine. In this study, we heterologously expressed the Brugia malayi TRP-2b channel in the Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) 293 cell line.