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CD73–adenosine: a next-generation target in immuno-oncology


Cancer immunotherapy has entered in a new era with the development of first-generation immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 pathways. In this context, considerable research effort is being deployed to find the next generation of cancer immunotherapeutics. The CD73–adenosine axis constitutes one of the most promising pathways in immuno-oncology. We and others have demonstrated the immunosuppressive role of CD73–adenosine in cancer and established proof-of-concept that the targeted blockade of CD73 or adenosine receptors could effectively promote anti-tumor immunity and enhance the activity of first-generation immune checkpoint blockers. With Phase I clinical trials now underway evaluating anti-CD73 or anti-A2A therapies in cancer patients, we here discuss the fundamental, preclinical and clinical findings related to the role of the CD73–adenosinergic pathway in tumor immunity.

Click here to view the full article in Immunotherapy.