Silica-induced inflammasome activation in macrophages: role of ATP and P2X7 receptor

•Overview of the current understanding and recent data on the role of ATP and P2X7 receptor in silica-induced inflammasome activation.•Inflammasome assembly in macrophages during silicosis: mechanisms of how silica particles are sensed by the NALP3 inflammasome.•Role of ATP in NLRP3 activation via P2X7 receptors.•Involvement of the P2X7 receptors in silica-induced NLRP3 activation.

Silicosis is a fibrotic lung disease caused by the inhalation of silica particles, and is considered an occupational disease, given that these particles are present in the working environment of many mining and civil construction industries. NLRP3 inflammasome activation is an important mechanism during the inflammatory process of silicosis, and it promotes the production of cytokines, such as IL-1β and IL-18. ATP also plays an important role in silicosis. Specifically, extracellular ATP can activate P2X7 receptor, which then participates in the complete assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its activation. Herein, we analyze the literature to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying inflammasome activation and the role of P2X7 receptors in macrophages during silicosis.