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Unveiling the P2X7 receptor: Exploring its mechanisms, pathogenic role in ocular diseases, and emerging therapeutic

Kai-Yang Chen1, Hoi-Chun Chan2, Chi-Ming Chan3

  • 1School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Molecular Aspects of Medicine
|July 29, 2025
PubMed

Insights

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) regulates retinal function and disease. Targeting P2X7R offers potential therapies for various blinding eye conditions by reducing inflammation and cell death.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Purinergic signaling via extracellular ATP (eATP) and P2 receptors is integral to physiological and pathological processes.
  • The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), a ligand-gated cation channel, is a key mediator of inflammation, cell death, and immune responses.
  • P2X7R is widely expressed in retinal cells, influencing visual function and retinal degeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of P2X7R in the pathogenesis of major retinal diseases.
  • To highlight P2X7R's contribution to inflammatory and degenerative processes in the retina.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting P2X7R for vision preservation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating P2X7R in retinal diseases.
  • Analysis of P2X7R's molecular mechanisms in retinal cell function and pathology.
  • Synthesis of evidence linking P2X7R activation to disease progression.

Main Results:

  • P2X7R activation promotes inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and immune dysregulation in the retina.
  • Specific roles of P2X7R in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Behçet's disease (BD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa (RP), uveitis, Stargardt's disease (STGD), and toxoplasmosis were identified.
  • P2X7R contributes to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration in AMD, vascular proliferation in DR, neuroinflammation in glaucoma, and photoreceptor loss in RP.

Conclusions:

  • P2X7R is a significant contributor to the pathophysiology of diverse retinal diseases.
  • Modulating P2X7R activity presents a promising therapeutic strategy for treating blinding conditions.
  • Targeting P2X7R could offer novel approaches to preserve retinal function and prevent vision loss.
Keywords:
MicrogliaP2X7PhotoreceptorsRetinopathySodium iodate

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