Abstract

Adenosine is a key endogenous molecule that regulates tissue function by activating four G-protein-coupled adenosine receptors: A₁, A_2A, A_2B and A₃. Cells of the immune system express these receptors and are responsive to the modulatory effects of adenosine in an inflammatory environment. Animal models of asthma, ischaemia, arthritis, sepsis, inflammatory bowel disease and wound healing have helped to elucidate the regulatory roles of the various adenosine receptors in dictating the development and progression of disease. This recent heightened awareness of the role of adenosine in the control of immune and inflammatory systems has generated excitement regarding the potential use of adenosine-receptor-based therapies in the treatment of infection, autoimmunity, ischaemia and degenerative diseases.

Author affiliations

1. Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA.
2. Department of Medicine and the Cardiovascular Research Center, MR5 BOX 801394, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA.
3. Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, New York 10016, USA.
4. Section on Oxidative Stress Tissue Injury, Laboratory of Physiological Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 5625 Fishers Lane, MSC-9413, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-9413, USA.

Correspondence to: György Haskó¹ Email: haskoge@umdnj.edu

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