P2RX7 gene knockout or antagonism reduces angiotensin II-induced hypertension, vascular injury and immune cell activation

OBJECTIVE: Extracellular ATP is elevated in hypertensive mice and humans and may trigger immune activation through the purinergic receptor P2X7 (P2RX7) causing interleukin-1β production and T-cell activation and memory T-cell development. Furthermore, P2RX7 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) are associated with hypertension. We hypothesized that P2RX7 activation contributes to hypertension and cardiovascular injury by promoting immune activation. METHODS: Male wild-type and P2rx7-/- mice were infused or not with angiotensin II (AngII) for 14 days. A second group of AngII-infused wild-type mice were co-infused with the P2RX7 antagonist AZ10606120 or vehicle. BP was monitored by telemetry. Cardiac and mesenteric artery function and remodeling were assessed using ultrasound and pressure myography, respectively. T cells were profiled in thoracic aorta/perivascular adipose tissue by flow cytometry. Associations between SNPs within 50 kb of P2RX7 transcription, and BP or hypertension were modeled in 384 653 UK Biobank participants. RESULTS: P2rx7 inactivation attenuated AngII-induced SBP elevation, and mesenteric artery dysfunction and remodeling. This was associated with decreased perivascular infiltration of activated and effector memory T-cell subsets. Surprisingly, P2rx7 knockout exaggerated AngII-induced cardiac dysfunction and remodeling. Treatment with a P2RX7 antagonist reduced BP elevation, preserved mesenteric artery function and reduced activated and effector memory T cell perivascular infiltration without adversely affecting cardiac function and remodeling in AngII-infused mice. Three P2RX7 SNPs were associated with increased odds of DBP elevation. CONCLUSION: P2RX7 may represent a target for attenuating BP elevation and associated vascular damage by decreasing immune activation.