Glial purinergic receptors: roles in CNS function, and therapeutic potential in neurological disorders

Receptor typeRole in CNSTherapeutic potentialReferences
P2X1Regulates cerebral blood flow, neurovascular coupling, and blood-brain barrier functionModulation could improve ischemic stroke outcomes by enhancing blood flow and neurovascular responses[362364]
P2X4Involved in neuropathic pain signaling, synaptic plasticity, microglial activation, and cytokine releaseAntagonists are being studied for neuropathic pain and chronic inflammatory conditions[180, 181, 365]
P2X5Modulates glial cell proliferation and inflammatory responsesTargeting P2X5 receptors could regulate gliosis, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration[366368]
P2X7Drives inflammasome activation, cytokine release, and neuroinflammation. Involved in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis pathophysiologyAntagonists (e.g., BBG) reduce neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in various CNS diseases[66, 240, 313, 326, 369, 370]
P2Y1Modulates microglial activation, neuronal excitability, and blood-brain barrier integrityTargeting P2Y1 receptors could aid in conditions like multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury[104, 119, 371]
P2Y6Facilitates phagocytosis, aiding in the clearance of cellular debris and neurotoxic aggregatesEnhancing P2Y6 activity could help clear amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s and alpha-synuclein in Parkinson’s[272, 372374]
P2Y12Essential for microglial chemotaxis and inflammatory responseTargeting P2Y12 receptors may improve recovery and reduce damage in stroke, Alzheimer’s, and other CNS injuries[115, 375377]
P2Y13Modulates microglial migration, activation, synaptic plasticity, and neuroinflammationAntagonists may regulate glial activation in neurodegenerative diseases and acute CNS injuries[264, 267, 378]
A1 adenosineReduces excitotoxicity, regulates neurotransmitter release, and provides neuroprotection, particularly during ischemic eventsA1 receptor agonists are potential treatments for ischemia, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases[379382]
A2A adenosineModulates neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, and myelination. Suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine releaseA2A antagonists could reduce neuroinflammation and improve dopaminergic signaling in Parkinson’s disease[194, 302, 382, 383]

BBG: Brilliant Blue G; CNS: central nervous system