Targeting the P2X7 receptor reduces harmful human brain inflammation

Blocking a specific receptor known as P2X7 significantly reduced inflammation in human brain tissue, ScienceDaily reported. The research was published in the journal Brain and was led by Professor Nicholas Barnes at the University of Birmingham. Scientists identified the mechanism as a potential new treatment strategy for several neurological and psychiatric disorders. [1]

The findings indicate that researchers may be able to repurpose existing drugs that already block the P2X7 receptor. ScienceDaily reported that targeting this receptor could help treat conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, depression, and schizophrenia. [1]

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that serves as the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60 to 70 percent of cases. Early symptoms typically involve difficulty remembering recent events, followed by language problems, mood changes, and bodily decline. [3]

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system that affects both motor and non-motor systems. Symptoms develop gradually and include tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement, balance difficulties, and cognitive changes. [4]