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Involvement of microglial P2X7 receptor in pain modulation

Jing Zhang1, Lei Gao1, Yaoyuan Zhang1

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.

CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics
|November 11, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Microglial purinergic ligand-gated ion channel 7 receptor (P2X7R) plays a key role in chronic pain. Targeting P2X7R offers a promising therapeutic strategy for pain management.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Chronic pain negatively impacts emotional state and quality of life.
  • Microglia, the central nervous system's immune cells, are crucial in pain regulation.
  • Microglial purinergic ligand-gated ion channel 7 receptor (P2X7R) is a key player in pain disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the connection between microglial P2X7R and pain.
  • To explore P2X7R as a therapeutic target for pain management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of 140 studies.
  • Summarized P2X7R structure, function, and role in microglial polarization.
  • Investigated P2X7R signaling pathways and antagonist effects on pain.

Main Results:

  • P2X7R activation correlates with M1 microglial polarization; suppression shifts microglia to M2 phenotype.
  • Targeting P2X7R-mediated pathways offers new pain alleviation therapies.
  • P2X7R antagonists show potential for clinical pain management.

Conclusions:

  • Microglial P2X7R is a promising pharmacological target for clinical pain treatment.
  • P2X7R's unique structure, function, and available antagonists support its therapeutic potential.
Keywords:
P2X7Rmicrogliapain

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