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Tumour immune escape via P2X7 receptor signalling

Ricardo M Sainz1, Jorge Humberto Rodriguez-Quintero2, Maria Constanza Maldifassi2

  • 1Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom.

Frontiers in Immunology
|November 29, 2023
PubMed

Insights

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) plays a dual role in cancer immunity, promoting tumour growth yet also mediating anti-tumour responses. Understanding its complex functions is key to improving cancer immunotherapies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) expression on tumour cells can promote cancer progression and metastasis.
  • P2X7R on immune cells is crucial for orchestrating anti-cancer innate and adaptive immunity.
  • The precise role of P2X7R in anti-tumour immunity is complex, with preclinical studies showing conflicting results.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the prognostic significance of P2X7R in various cancers.
  • To summarize current P2X7R targeting strategies in preclinical tumour models.
  • To explore mechanisms by which tumours exploit P2X7R for immune evasion.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on P2X7R in cancer prognosis and treatment.
  • Analysis of preclinical data on P2X7R targeting in tumour models.
  • Discussion of P2X7R-mediated immune escape pathways.

Main Results:

  • P2X7R has a complex prognostic value in cancer, varying by cancer type and immune context.
  • Tumours utilize P2X7R in diverse ways to promote immune escape, including non-pore functions, enzymatic activities, and modulation of immunoregulatory cells.
  • Few P2X7R modulators have advanced to clinical trials for cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting P2X7R presents a complex challenge due to its dual role in cancer immunity.
  • Understanding the multifaceted roles of P2X7R in immune escape is essential for developing effective cancer immunotherapies.
  • Alternative strategies to overcome P2X7R-mediated immune suppression may enhance current immunotherapeutic approaches.
Keywords:
ART1CD38CD39P2X7 receptorcancer immunotherapytumour immune escapetumour microenvironment

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