Figure 6.

Schematic diagram illustrating the proposed role of the P2X7R in salivary gland inflammation. In salivary epithelial cells, P2X7R activation by eATP induces the assembly and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the subsequent release of mature IL-1β. This process involves transmembrane Na⁺ and/or K⁺ flux, production of ROS, and the presence of an active HSP90 protein. P2X7R antagonism reduces immune cell infiltration and salivary gland expression of IL-1β, ICAM-1, VCAM, E-Selectin, CD80, and CD86 and enhances carbachol-induced saliva secretion in the CD28^−/−, IFNγ^−/−, NOD.H-2^h4 mouse model of salivary gland inflammation.