P2X 7 Receptor and Extracellular Vesicle Release.

Extensive evidence indicates that the activation of the P2X 7 receptor (P2X 7 R), an ATP-gated ion channel highly expressed in immune and brain cells, is strictly associated with the release of extracellular vesicles. Through this process, P2X 7 R-expressing cells regulate non-classical protein secretion and transfer bioactive components to other cells, including misfolded proteins, participating in inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize and discuss the studies addressing the impact of P2X 7 R activation on extracellular vesicle release and their activities.