P2Y6 receptor signalling in COPD patients and cigarette smoke-exposed mice

Rationale: Extracellular ATP, via activation of the purinergic receptor subtypes P2Y2 and P2X7, has been identified as a new player in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cigarette smoke (CS)-induced lung inflammation. Recent evidence suggests involvement of the UDP/P2Y6R axis in inflammatory lung diseases; however its role in COPD needs to be elucidated. Objectives: To explore the relevance of P2Y6R signalling in the pathogenesis of COPD. Methods: Expression of the P2Y6R was assessed on lung tissue from never smokers, smokers without airflow obstruction and patients with COPD, a…