Endogenous purines as natural ligands of the A2B adenosine receptor

Abstract

Endogenous purines are essential regulators of various physiological functions, including immune response, inflammation, and neurotransmission. While adenosine has long been considered the primary ligand for adenosine receptors, recent evidence suggests that other purines may also interact with these receptors, particularly the A_2B adenosine receptor (A_2BAR). This study investigates the potential role of endogenous purines as natural ligands of A_2BAR using molecular docking. The results demonstrate a high binding affinity of purines for A_2BAR, suggesting their functional relevance in receptor-mediated signaling. Additionally, A_2BAR plays a crucial role in immune regulation by influencing T-cell differentiation and cytokine production. Modulating its activity through endogenous purines may have significant implications for inflammation-related diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. The findings provide new insights into the purinergic control of the adenosinergic system and highlight the potential of targeting A_2BAR in therapeutic strategies. However, further studies, including in vitro and in vivo experiments, are necessary to confirm the physiological relevance of these interactions. This research expands our understanding of purinergic signaling and opens new avenues for the development of pharmacological interventions aimed at modulating immune and inflammatory responses.