P2RX7 encodes a trimeric ion channel activated by extracellular ATP that functions as a key regulator of innate and adaptive immune responses 12. The receptor mediates ATP-gated cation flux across plasma membranes, primarily in immune cells including lymphocytes, macrophages, and microglia 12. Mechanistically, P2RX7 activation triggers NLRP3 inflammasome assembly, leading to production of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, cell death via pyroptosis, and modulation of metabolic processes 13. The P2RX7 gene exhibits multiple splice variants and polymorphisms that alter receptor function, with loss-of-function variants associated with reduced inflammasome activation and pyroptosis 3. Clinically, P2RX7 dysfunction contributes to autoinflammatory bone disease (CNO), with rare damaging variants identified in affected patients showing altered immune responses 3. P2RX7 variants are associated with hypertension risk and vascular injury through immune cell activation 4, Parkinson's disease susceptibility with earlier age-of-onset in LRRK2-mutation carriers 5, and Alzheimer's disease pathology through microglial IL-18 production and impaired amyloid-beta clearance 6. Additionally, the miR-211-5p/P2RX7 axis regulates neuronal ferroptosis in epilepsy through ERK/GPX4 signaling 7. P2RX7 thus represents a therapeutic target in inflammatory, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular diseases.