Purinergic receptor P2X7 (best-defined subtype for ATP receptors on immune cells) (P2X7)

ATP receptors on immune cells refer primarily to two main families: P2X receptors (ligand-gated ion channels) and P2Y receptors (G protein-coupled receptors), both of which are activated by extracellular ATP. Among these, P2X7 is the most intensively studied in immune cells for its role in inflammation, cytokine release, and immune cell death. Rapid ATP release during tissue damage, cancer, or infection acts as a danger signal, activating these receptors to promote immune responses (e.g., inflammasome activation, cytokine secretion, chemotaxis), but also contributing to immunosuppression or pathology depending on context. Pharmacological targeting, particularly of P2X7, is being explored in inflammatory diseases and cancer immunotherapy, though clinical translation is complicated by receptor ubiquity and pleiotropic actions[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

P2X7 receptorP2 purinoceptor 7P2RX7Purinergic receptor P2X, ligand-gated ion channel, 7ATP-gated ion channel P2X7Purinergic receptors, P2X and P2Y subtypes

Antagonists inhibit ATP-induced channel opening and downstream cytokine/inflammasome activation. Agonists trigger cation influx (Na⁺/Ca²⁺), K⁺ efflux, pore formation, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, cytokine maturation and release, pyroptosis.