Role of purinoceptors in immune-mediated disease (therapies targeting the P2X7 receptor)

P2X7 receptor is an intriguing membrane receptor for the extracellular nucleotide ATP, which functions as a ligand-gated ion channel. Activation of P2X7 receptors leads to cell membrane permeabilization and also a wide range of downstream events, including phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, proinflammatory cytokine release, l-selectin (CD62L) shedding, and ultimately induction of cell death. Although the functional significance of the P2X7 receptor in disease states is still unclear, P2X7 receptor has generated much interest in cells of the immune system because of its role in ATP-mediated inflammatory responses. Further investigation of the function of the P2X7 receptor in normal and abnormal immune systems might lead to a novel therapeutic target in immune-mediated diseases.

Section editor:Martin Braddock – Discovery BioScience, AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Loughborough, Leicestershire, England, UK