P2X4 receptors, immunity, and sepsis

Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2019 Aug:47:65-74. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2019.02.011. Epub 2019 Mar 25.

Abstract

Sepsis is life-threatening systemic organ dysfunction caused by a deregulated host response to an infectious insult. Currently, the treatment of sepsis is limited to the use of antibiotics, fluids, and cardiovascular/respiratory support. Despite these interventions, septic mortality remains high, with reduced life quality in survivors. For this reason, the identification of novel drug targets is a pressing task of modern pharmacology. According to a recent research, it appears that P2 purinergic receptors, which can regulate the host's response to infections, have been identified as potential targets for the treatment of sepsis. Among P2 receptors, the P2X4 receptor has recently captured the attention of the research community owing to its role in protecting against infections, inflammation, and organ injury. The present review provides an outline of the role played by P2X4 receptors in the modulation of the host's response to sepsis and the promise that targeting this receptor holds in the treatment of sepsis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Myeloid Cells / immunology
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X4 / immunology*
  • Sepsis / immunology*

Substances

  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X4