Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

The Utilization of Oropharyngeal Intratracheal PAMP Administration and Bronchoalveolar Lavage to Evaluate the Host Immune Response in Mice
Published on: April 2, 2014
[Advance in the research on P2X7 and inflammatory respiratory diseases]
Shu-Hua Cao1, Shao-Peng Yuan, Qi Hou
1Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing 100050, China.
Abstract:
P2X7 is the most important subtype of the ATP receptors known so far. Recent investigations showed that the downstream signaling pathway of P2X7 is coupled with several key inflammatory molecules including IL-1beta and IL-18, this suggests P2X7 might have roles in the inflammatory diseases. Moreover, attenuation of P2X7 by selective antagonists in vitro and knockout mice in vivo reducing the inflammatory response indicated that P2X7 is a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases. However, most previous studies on P2X7 were focused on nerve system diseases most, while its effects in inflammatory respiratory diseases, especially in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer have been poorly investigated. In this paper, we reviewed the research progress on the structure, distribution, biological activities of P2X7 and its relationship with inflammatory respiratory diseases including asthma, COPD and lung cancer, along with the development of P2X7 antagonist as therapeutics.
Insights
The P2X7 receptor plays a key role in inflammation. This review explores its potential as a therapeutic target for respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD, and lung cancer.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- The P2X7 receptor (P2X7) is a critical ATP receptor involved in inflammatory signaling.
- P2X7 is linked to inflammatory mediators such as IL-1beta and IL-18, suggesting its role in inflammatory conditions.
- P2X7 antagonists have shown promise in reducing inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of P2X7 receptor structure, distribution, and biological activities.
- To investigate the role of P2X7 in inflammatory respiratory diseases, including asthma, COPD, and lung cancer.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of P2X7 antagonists for these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on P2X7.
- Analysis of studies focusing on P2X7's involvement in inflammatory pathways.
- Examination of P2X7 antagonist development and preclinical/clinical data.
Main Results:
- P2X7 is implicated in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases.
- Evidence suggests P2X7's involvement in asthma, COPD, and lung cancer, though research is limited.
- P2X7 antagonists represent a promising therapeutic strategy for inflammatory respiratory diseases.
Conclusions:
- P2X7 is a significant therapeutic target for inflammatory respiratory diseases.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate P2X7's role in asthma, COPD, and lung cancer.
- Development of P2X7 antagonists holds potential for novel treatments.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Asthma I: Introduction
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.

