Targeting the tumor promoting effects of adenosine in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a hematological malignancy which is characterized by progressive accumulation of functionally deficient B cells in blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic tissue. The tumor microenvironment (TME) appears to play a critical role in genesis and progression of CLL. High levels of extracellular adenosine (ADO) are detected in CLL as a consequence of expression of ecto-enzymes, such as CD39 and CD73. Extracellular ADO exhibits a broad range of effects on cell cycle control, immunoregulation, angiogenesis and cytokine regulation through both direct and indirect mechanisms.
Source: Critical Reviews in Oncology Hematology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Source Type: research