Immunotherapy and the A2A Adenosine Receptor: A Confounding Brew

Abstract

Converting the tumor microenvironment (TME) from “cold” to “hot” represents the next step in immunotherapy’s evolution. Several classes of candidate compounds have emerged, including inhibitors of the adenosine axis, specifically A2A adenosine receptor antagonists. Neurology has a long history in attempting to translate these compounds for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Reviewing this class’s history helps to identify challenges in its translation—and may also highlight a significant confounder in cancer immunotherapy trials.