Purinergic signaling at immunological synapses

The early studies and hypotheses of Geoffrey Burnstock catalyzed intensive characterization of roles for nucleotides and P2 nucleotide receptors in ne urotransmission and neuromodulation. These latter analyses have focused on the mechanisms of nucleotide release and action in the microenvironments of nerve endings and synapses. However. studies of various white blood cells, such as monocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, suggest that locally rele ased nucleotides also modulate intercellular signaling at so-called 'immuno logical synapses'. This communication describes recent findings and specula tions regarding nucleotide release and signaling in several key phases of t he immune and inflammatory responses. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Scienc e B.V. All rights reserved.