Modulation of innate and adaptive immunity by P2X ion channels

Sterile or septic inflammation cause ATP accumulation in the extracellular space. ATP activates multiple defensive responses acting at P2X receptors (mainly the P2X7 subtype) expressed by myeloid and lymphoid cells. Activated myeloid and lymphoid cells release in turn ATP which sets in motion an amplification loop (ATP-induced ATP release) that propagates inflammation.