The Cytolytic P _2Z Receptor for Extracellular ATP Identified as a P _2X Receptor (P2X ₇ )

TLDR

The P2Z receptor mediates ATP‑dependent macrophage lysis by forming large‑molecule permeable pores, whereas other ATP‑gated P2X channels allow only small cation passage. The cloned rat brain P2X7 receptor, homologous to other P2X receptors but possessing a unique C‑terminal domain essential for ATP‑induced lysis, combines fast synaptic transmission with macrophage‑lytic activity.

Abstract

The P 2Z receptor is responsible for adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent lysis of macrophages through the formation of membrane pores permeable to large molecules. Other ATP-gated channels, the P 2X receptors, are permeable only to small cations. Here, an ATP receptor, the P2X 7 receptor, was cloned from rat brain and exhibited both these properties. This protein is homologous to other P 2X receptors but has a unique carboxyl-terminal domain that was required for the lytic actions of ATP. Thus, the P2X 7 (or P 2Z ) receptor is a bifunctional molecule that could function in both fast synaptic transmission and the ATP-mediated lysis of antigen-presenting cells.