The role of the purinergic P2X₇receptor in inflammation

• Main Authors: Rossi Adriano G, Davidson Donald J, Hodgkiss Joseph P, Sawatzky Deborah A, Sharkey John, Lister Martin F, Finlayson Keith
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2007-03-01
• Series: Journal of Inflammation
• Online Access: http://www.journal-inflammation.com/content/4/1/5

<p>Abstract</p> <p>The inflammatory process, orchestrated against a variety of injurious stimuli, is composed of three inter-related phases; initiation, propagation and resolution. Understanding the interplay between these three phases and harnessing the beneficial properties of inflammation whilst preventing its damaging effects, will undoubtedly lead to the advent of much needed therapies, particularly in chronic disease states. The P2X₇receptor (P2X₇R) is increasingly recognised as an important cell surface regulator of several key inflammatory molecules including IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α and IL-6. Moreover, as P2X₇R-dependent cytokine production is driven by activating the inflammasome, antagonists of this receptor are likely to have therapeutic potential as novel anti-inflammatory therapies. The function of the P2X₇R in inflammation, immunity and its potential role in disease will be reviewed and discussed.</p>