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Involvement of P2X7 receptors in chronic pain disorders

Wen-Jing Ren1, Peter Illes2,3

  • 1School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China.

Purinergic Signalling
|November 20, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is crucial in chronic pain by activating immune cells. Targeting P2X7R in microglia and astrocytes may offer new pain management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Chronic pain involves inflammation and cellular damage.
  • Extracellular ATP activates P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs) on immune cells.
  • P2X7Rs mediate cytokine and chemokine release, contributing to pain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the central role of P2X7Rs in chronic pain pathophysiology.
  • To discuss P2X7R involvement in inflammatory and neuropathic pain, headaches, and analgesic tolerance.
  • To highlight the function of microglia and astrocytes expressing P2X7Rs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on P2X7R function in pain models.
  • Analysis of P2X7R signaling pathways in immune cells.
  • Examination of P2X7R's role in neuroinflammation and pain.

Main Results:

  • P2X7Rs are activated by extracellular ATP released from damaged cells.
  • P2X7R activation on microglia and astrocytes drives neuroinflammation and pain signaling.
  • Co-stimulation of P2X7Rs with other receptors activates the NLRP3 inflammasome, releasing IL-1β.

Conclusions:

  • P2X7Rs are key players in the development and maintenance of chronic pain.
  • Targeting P2X7R signaling in microglia and astrocytes presents a potential therapeutic avenue for pain relief.
  • Understanding P2X7R's role is vital for developing novel pain management strategies.
Keywords:
AstrocyteExtracellular ATPInflammatory painMicrogliaNeuropathic painP2X7 receptor

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