About this Research Topic
P2X7 is a purinergic receptor that plays a crucial role in the body's response to tissue damage, inflammation, and infection by being activated by high concentrations of extracellular ATP. Since its cloning in the 1990s, significant progress has been made in understanding the physiological functions of P2X7, particularly its involvement in the formation of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and prostaglandins, as well as its role in cell death. These functions have been validated through in vivo studies, which have highlighted the receptor's contribution to pain, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. Consequently, the blockade of the P2X7 receptor has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for these conditions. The development of P2X7 antagonists has shown potential in reducing pain, inflammation, neuronal damage, and cognitive impairment. Despite the identification and characterization of several P2X7 antagonists with varying chemical structures and selectivity profiles, no drug has yet been approved for clinical use. The challenges in developing effective P2X7 antagonists underscore the need for continued research, with artificial intelligence offering potential to accelerate this process.
This research topic aims to present the latest advances in the development and application of P2X7 antagonists across various conditions, including inflammatory diseases, cancer, pain, and neurological disorders, from pre-clinical studies to clinical trials. The objective is to explore future directions in this emerging field, addressing key questions such as the efficacy and safety of P2X7 antagonists in clinical settings, the mechanisms underlying their therapeutic effects, and the potential for novel drug design strategies. By examining these aspects, the research seeks to contribute to the understanding and optimization of P2X7 antagonists as therapeutic agents.
To gather further insights into the development and application of P2X7 antagonists, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Mechanistic studies on P2X7 receptor function and its role in disease pathology
• Advances in the design and synthesis of novel P2X7 antagonists.
• Pre-clinical and clinical trial results of P2X7 antagonists in various diseases
• Challenges and limitations in the development of P2X7 antagonists.
• The role of artificial intelligence in accelerating the discovery and optimization of P2X7 antagonists
• Comparative studies of P2X7 antagonists with other therapeutic strategies for inflammatory and neurological diseases
This research topic aims to present the latest advances in the development and application of P2X7 antagonists across various conditions, including inflammatory diseases, cancer, pain, and neurological disorders, from pre-clinical studies to clinical trials. The objective is to explore future directions in this emerging field, addressing key questions such as the efficacy and safety of P2X7 antagonists in clinical settings, the mechanisms underlying their therapeutic effects, and the potential for novel drug design strategies. By examining these aspects, the research seeks to contribute to the understanding and optimization of P2X7 antagonists as therapeutic agents.
To gather further insights into the development and application of P2X7 antagonists, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Mechanistic studies on P2X7 receptor function and its role in disease pathology
• Advances in the design and synthesis of novel P2X7 antagonists.
• Pre-clinical and clinical trial results of P2X7 antagonists in various diseases
• Challenges and limitations in the development of P2X7 antagonists.
• The role of artificial intelligence in accelerating the discovery and optimization of P2X7 antagonists
• Comparative studies of P2X7 antagonists with other therapeutic strategies for inflammatory and neurological diseases
Keywords: P2X7 antagonists, purinergic receptor, drug development, inflammatory conditions, pain, cancer, neurological disorders
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
