Author/Authors :
Mortaz، Esmaeil نويسنده Assistant to Editor-in-Chief , , Adcock، Ian M نويسنده Cell and Molecular Biology Group, Airways Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK , , Shafei، Hamed نويسنده Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands , , Masjedi، Mohammad-Reza نويسنده , , Folkerts، Gert نويسنده Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,
Abstract :
Extracellular ATP is a signaling molecule which plays an important role in
alerting the immune system in case of any tissue damage. Recent studies show
that binding of ATP to the ionotropic P2X7 receptor of inflammatory cells
(macrophages and monocytes) will induce caspase 1 activation. Stimulation of
caspase 1 activity results in maturation and release of IL-1? in the
inflammasome in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients.
COPD is an inflammatory disease characterized by emphysema and/or chronic
bronchitis and is mostly associated with cigarette smoking. It is one of the
leading causes of death in humans and there is currently no medication to stop
the progression of disease. A deeper understanding of the mechanism by which
the P2X7 receptor triggers IL-1? maturation and release, may open new
opportunities for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as COPD.
