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Proteomics to Identify Proteins Interacting with P2X2 Ligand-Gated Cation Channels
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P2RX7 at the Host-Pathogen Interface of Infectious Diseases

Alexandra Y Soare1,2, Tracey L Freeman2, Alice K Min1

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews : MMBR
|January 14, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The P2X7 receptor (P2RX7) acts as a danger sensor, crucial for immune responses against diverse pathogens. This review details P2RX7

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • The P2X7 receptor (P2RX7) is a key sensor of cellular danger signals, detecting extracellular nucleotides released by injured cells.
  • P2RX7 is expressed in immune cells and plays a significant role in pathogen surveillance and host defense mechanisms against infectious agents.
  • Existing literature highlights P2RX7's involvement in inflammatory diseases and host-pathogen interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of the P2X7 receptor's function in the host response to a wide range of pathogens.
  • To consolidate evidence on P2RX7's role in mediating and modulating immune responses against viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoal, and helminth infections.
  • To explore P2X7 signaling's contribution to sensing damage-associated molecular patterns and its impact on immunopathology and protection.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of existing research on P2X7 receptor function in host-pathogen interactions.
  • Analysis of both in vitro and in vivo studies investigating the role of P2X7 in immune responses.
  • Synthesis of data concerning P2X7 signaling in various cell types and its impact on diverse infectious agents.

Main Results:

  • P2X7 receptors are critical for mediating and modulating immune responses across various pathogen types.
  • Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies supports a significant role for P2X7 in host defense.
  • P2X7 signaling contributes to sensing danger signals from infected cells, influencing outcomes of immunopathology or protection.

Conclusions:

  • P2X7 receptor signaling is pivotal in the host's defense against a broad spectrum of pathogens.
  • The receptor's function in sensing danger signals is crucial for modulating immune responses, impacting disease pathogenesis and immunity.
  • Further research into P2X7 signaling pathways can offer insights into novel therapeutic strategies for infectious diseases.
Keywords:
P2RX7infectioninflammasomeinflammatorypurinergic

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