Involvement of the P2X7 purinergic receptor in inflammation: an update of antagonists series since 2009 and their promising therapeutic potential

Curr Med Chem. 2015;22(6):713-29. doi: 10.2174/0929867322666141212120926.

Abstract

The purinergic receptor P2X7 is highly expressed in immune peripheral and central cells suggesting its important role in numerous diseases characterized by inflammatory processes like cancer, or neurodegenerative pathologies in relation with modulation of the immune system. Thereby, antagonization of this receptor may be a hopeful therapeutic strategy to treat a large range of diseases. Indeed, selective P2X7 antagonists display beneficial anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and in some cases, anticancer properties. This article will review the involvement of P2X7 in the immune system, the update of P2X7 antagonists series since 2009 and their promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of several immune- related diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Purinergic P2X Receptor Antagonists / pharmacology*
  • Purinergic P2X Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X7 / chemistry
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X7 / genetics
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X7 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Purinergic P2X Receptor Antagonists
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X7