Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease: the role of the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R)

N13 WT murine microglial cells treated with conditioned media from CHO 7PA2 cells containing beta-amyloid peptides showed pro inflammatory features witnessed by increased eATP release, and augmented expression of the pro-inflammatory molecules P2X7R, NLRP3 and IL-1 beta. These features were significantly lower in N13 R cells, expressing low levels of the P2X7R. These results were substantially confirmed using primary microglial cells. Our results support the role of P2X7R in neuroinflammation and in AD, and pave the way to new possible therapeutic treatments for AD.