The P2X7 receptor channel: recent developments and the use of P2X7 antagonists in models of disease
Rachael Bartlett1, Leanne Stokes1, Ronald Sluyter2
1School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia (R.B., R.S.); and Health Innovations Research Institute, School of Medical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia (L.S.).
Abstract:
The P2X7 receptor is a trimeric ATP-gated cation channel found predominantly, but not exclusively, on immune cells. P2X7 activation results in a number of downstream events, including the release of proinflammatory mediators and cell death and proliferation. As such, P2X7 plays important roles in various inflammatory, immune, neurologic and musculoskeletal disorders. This review focuses on the use of P2X7 antagonists in rodent models of neurologic disease and injury, inflammation, and musculoskeletal and other disorders. The cloning and characterization of human, rat, mouse, guinea pig, dog, and Rhesus macaque P2X7, as well as recent observations regarding the gating and permeability of P2X7, are discussed. Furthermore, this review discusses polymorphic and splice variants of P2X7, as well as the generation and use of P2X7 knockout mice. Recent evidence for emerging signaling pathways downstream of P2X7 activation and the growing list of negative and positive modulators of P2X7 activation and expression are also described. In addition, the use of P2X7 antagonists in numerous rodent models of disease is extensively summarized. Finally, the use of P2X7 antagonists in clinical trials in humans and future directions exploring P2X7 as a therapeutic target are described.
Insights
P2X7 receptor antagonists show promise for treating inflammatory, immune, and neurologic disorders. This review summarizes their use in preclinical models and ongoing human clinical trials, highlighting P2X7 as a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The P2X7 receptor (P2X7) is an ATP-gated ion channel primarily on immune cells.
- P2X7 activation influences inflammation, cell death, and proliferation, implicating it in various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- This review focuses on P2X7 antagonists in preclinical models of neurologic, inflammatory, and musculoskeletal disorders.
- It also covers P2X7 characterization, variants, signaling, and therapeutic potential.
Main Methods:
- The review synthesizes data from rodent models of disease and injury.
- It discusses P2X7 cloning, characterization across species, and genetic variations.
- Emerging signaling pathways and modulators of P2X7 are also examined.
Main Results:
- P2X7 antagonists have demonstrated efficacy in numerous rodent disease models.
- The review details P2X7 gating, permeability, and polymorphic/splice variants.
- Preclinical data supports P2X7's role in diverse pathological conditions.
Conclusions:
- P2X7 antagonists are a promising therapeutic strategy for various diseases.
- Further research into P2X7 signaling and modulators will advance its clinical application.
- Clinical trials are underway, exploring P2X7's potential as a drug target.
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