Physiological Roles and Potential Therapeutic Applications of the P2X7 Receptor in Inflammation and Pain

Molecules

Luiz Anastacio Alves¹  Rômulo José Soares Bezerra¹  Robson Xavier Faria¹  Leonardo Gomes Braga Ferreira¹ 

[1] Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, AV. Brazil, 4365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; E-Mails:

关键词: P2X7R;    inflammatory response;    antagonists and pharmacological target;   

DOI  :  10.3390/molecules180910953

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a nonselective cation channel that is activated by extracellular ATP and triggers the secretion of several proinflammatory substances, such as IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α, and nitric oxide. Recently, several preclinical studies have demonstrated that this receptor participates in inflammation and pain mechanisms. Taken together, these results indicate that P2X7R is a promising pharmacological target, and compounds that modulate the function of this receptor show potential as new anti-inflammatory medicines. In this review, we discuss aspects of P2X7R pharmacology and the participation of this protein in inflammation and pain and provide an overview of some promising compounds that have been tested as antagonists of P2X7R, with clinical applicability.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.