Purinergic Signalling in Disease and Inflammation

Dear Colleagues,

Purinergic signalling has emerged as a fundamental regulatory system orchestrating cellular communication in both physiological and pathological contexts. Extracellular nucleotides and nucleosides—particularly ATP and adenosine—act as potent signalling molecules through the activation of P1 and P2 receptors, as well as through the coordinated action of ectonucleotidases that tightly regulate their bioavailability. Over the past decades, compelling evidence has demonstrated that purinergic pathways play a central role in the modulation of inflammatory responses, immune activation, tissue remodeling, and metabolic homeostasis.

Dysregulation of purinergic signalling has been implicated in a broad spectrum of diseases, including chronic inflammatory disorders, metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, cardiovascular pathologies, cancer, and infectious diseases. Inflammation represents a common mechanistic denominator across many of these conditions, and purinergic mediators function as key regulators of immune cell activation, cytokine release, inflammasome signalling, and resolution pathways. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying purinergic modulation of inflammation is therefore critical for identifying novel therapeutic targets.

This Special Issue aims to gather high-quality original research and review articles addressing mechanistic insights into purinergic signalling in disease and inflammatory processes. We particularly welcome:

• Experimental studies using animal models that elucidate molecular and cellular mechanisms linking purinergic pathways to inflammation and disease progression;
• Clinical investigations and clinical trials exploring the therapeutic modulation of purinergic signalling;
• Translational studies bridging basic and clinical research;
• Research examining the role of ectonucleotidases, P1 and P2 receptors, ATP, adenosine, and related mediators in pathological contexts.

In addition, given the growing body of evidence demonstrating that physical exercise exerts anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects partly mediated by purinergic pathways, we strongly encourage submissions investigating exercise as a preventive or therapeutic strategy in diseases associated with inflammatory dysregulation. Studies exploring how exercise modulates extracellular nucleotide metabolism, receptor expression, and downstream signalling cascades are particularly welcome.

By integrating molecular, translational, and clinical perspectives, this Special Issue seeks to advance our understanding of purinergic signalling as a critical regulator of inflammation and disease, ultimately contributing to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

We look forward to your valuable contributions.

Prof. Dr. Andréia Machado Cardoso
Guest Editor

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• purinergic signalling
• inflammation
• ATP and adenosine
• P1 receptors
• P2 receptors
• ectonucleotidases
• chronic diseases
• neurodegeneration
• exercise physiology
• translational research