The P2X7 receptor is a member of the ionotropic P2X receptor family that is activated by ATP.To date, this family is composed of seven receptor subtypes, named P2X1-P2X7, all of which have been cloned.he various P2X receptors show distinct expression patterns. P2X1-6 receptors have been found in the central and peripheral nervous system, while the P2X7 receptor is found in cells of the immune system, particularly in antigen-presenting cells, and microglia.The P2X7 receptor mediates the release of proinflamatory cytokines and stimulation of transcription factors and may also play an important role in apoptosis
