The P2X7 receptor: a key player in IL-1 processing and release.
J Immunol
; 176(7): 3877-83, 2006 Apr 01.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-16547218
ABSTRACT
Human IL-1 family proteins are key mediators of the host response to infections, injury, and immunologic challenges. The mechanism by which IL-1 activates proinflammatory responses in target cells, and the plasma membrane receptors involved, is fairly well known. This has led to the development of innovative drugs that block IL-1 downstream to its synthesis and secretion. On the contrary, the mechanism of IL-1 and other IL-1 family members (e.g., IL-18) maturation and release is incompletely understood. Accruing evidence points to a plasma membrane receptor for extracellular ATP, the P2X(7) receptor, as a key player in both processes. A deeper understanding of the mechanism by which the P2X(7) receptor triggers IL-1 maturation and exteriorization may suggest novel avenues for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and provide a deeper insight in the fundamental mechanism of protease activation and cellular export of proteins lacking a leader sequence.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Interleukin-1
/
Receptors, Purinergic P2
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
J Immunol
Year:
2006
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Italy