MentalHealthDaily

P2X7 Receptors in Depression: ATP-Inflammation Target

by GLOOM

MHD featured image for P2X7 receptors and depression inflammation pathways.

A 2026 review in Purinergic Signalling argues that P2X7 receptors are one of the clearest molecular bridges between stress, ATP danger signaling, microglial inflammation, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reduced BDNF, and new antidepressant drug targets.1 Research Highlights P2X7 is the lead receptor: Mattova et al. reviewed 7 ATP-gated P2X receptor subunits, with P2X7 carrying the strongest …

NLRP3 Inflammasome & Depression: A Target for Antidepressant Development?

by GLOOM

The NLRP3 inflammasome stands at the crossroads of immune response and mental health, playing a pivotal role in the inflammatory processes implicated in depression. Researchers are exploring the intricate relationship between NLRP3 activation and depressive disorders, highlighting the potential for innovative treatments targeting this complex molecular pathway. Highlights: NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation: NLRP3, a component of …