P2X deficiency reduces atherosclerosis and plaque inflammation in mice.

Extracellular adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) acts as an import signaling molecule mediating inflammation via purinergic P2 receptors. ATP binds to the purinergic receptor P2X and promotes inflammation via increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Because of the central role of inflammation, we assumed a functional contribution of the ATP-P2X-axis in atherosclerosis.