ATP–P2X3 Signaling as a Shared Neural Sensitization Pathway in Endometriosis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications

My Anh Duong, Prakash V. A. K. Ramdass
In: Biomedicines · 2026 · vol. 14(9) , pp. 1891 · doi:10.3390/biomedicines14091891 · W7204182877
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This narrative review examines ATP–P2X3 signaling as a shared mechanistic pathway linking endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome, highlighting its role in neuroimmune crosstalk and identifying selective P2X3 antagonists as potential nonopioid therapeutic targets for these conditions.

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Abstract

Endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are chronic pain disorders that frequently coexist and share key pathophysiological features, including neuroinflammation, visceral hypersensitivity, peripheral sensitization, and central sensitization. Emerging evidence suggests that extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-mediated activation of the P2X3 receptor is a common mechanism driving persistent nociceptive signaling in both conditions. This narrative review examines the role of ATP–P2X3 signaling in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and IBS, highlighting its involvement in neuroimmune crosstalk, dorsal root ganglion plasticity, and cross-organ sensitization. We summarize experimental and clinical evidence supporting P2X3 as a therapeutic target and discuss the development of selective P2X3 antagonists, including gefapixant, eliapixant, sivopixant, and camlipixant. Although these agents have shown clinical benefit in refractory chronic cough, their application to endometriosis and IBS remains largely unexplored. Current evidence is predominantly preclinical, underscoring the need for biomarker-driven translational studies and clinical trials. Overall, ATP–P2X3 signaling represents a promising shared mechanistic pathway linking endometriosis and IBS and a potential target for the development of precision, nonopioid therapies for chronic pelvic and visceral pain.

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