Background Adenosine triphosphate（ATP）， is a neurotransmitter commonly found in and around the central nervous system， and such neurotransmitter by combining body called purinergic receptors. These receptors can be divided into ion channel type receptors and metabotropic receptors. Purinergic ligand-gated ion channel 7（P2X7） receptor is one of purinergic receptors， and belongs to ligand gating non selective ion channel. Because of its unique structure， function and distribution characteristics， it plays an important role in inflammation and chronic pain.　Objective　Progress in the study of P2X7 receptor in chronic pain was reviewed.　Content　Acting as an ion channel receptor， P2X7 receptor plays a critical role in chronic pain. Progress in the structure and expressing profile， the alteration of expressing following chronic inflammation and nerve injury， and the effect of inhibitors on chronic pain were reviewed.　Trend　Progress in the study of P2X7 receptor may provide theoretical foundation for the discovery of new analgesic agents.