Recent research progress of CD39-CD73-adenosine pathway in regulatory T cells

Regulatory T cells(Tregs) are a subpopulation of T cells with immunosuppressive effects.Two ectoenzymes, ectonucleoside triphosphate diphospholydrolase CD39 and ecto-5’-nucleotidase CD73, expressed on surface of Tregs, work together to convert extracellular adenosine triphosphate(ATP) to adenosine.Adenosine could elevate level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) in cells, thereby suppressing immune response of target cells.The CD39-CD73- adenosine pathway plays a critical role in immune suppressive function of Tregs.The abnormal expression of CD39 and CD73 on Tregs or CD39+ Th17 cells were observed in some autoimmune diseases, tumors and human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) infection.However the pathogenic mechanism of this pathway have not been elucidated.This paper reviewed the mechanism of CD39-CD73-adenosine pathway in the related diseases, and hoping for providing the evidence for future treatment of CD39-CD73- adenosine pathway related diseases. Key words: Regulatory T cell; CD39-CD73-adenosine pathway; Medicine