Role of Nucleotide P2 Receptors in the Immune System: Focus on Effector T Cells

The emergence of purinergic signaling has given ATP and other extracellular nucleotides a whole new perspective. This concept refers to the fact that extracellular nucleotides released by most cells act as signaling molecules via specific membrane receptors called purinergic receptors, thus regulating several cellular functions. Although purinergic signaling has been well studied in several physiological systems, recent work has shown that this signaling pathway is also essential in the immune system. In this review, we will discuss the complex role of purinergic signaling in the regulation of effector T cell functions, including migration, differentiation, and activation. We will also cover the role of P2 receptors in the development of autoimmune diseases. Understanding how P2 receptors regulate effector T cells will likely further our understanding of protective immunity and immune pathogenesis and may lead to new therapeutic approaches and agents in immune diseases.