Drugs targeting adenosine signaling pathways: A current view

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Adenosine, an endogenous nucleoside, regulates physiological and pathological processes via G-protein-coupled receptors.
• It protects tissues during high metabolism and prevents organ dysfunction in disease.
• Modulating adenosine pathways is a potential therapeutic strategy for numerous human diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review pharmaceuticals and tools targeting adenosine signaling.
• To summarize FDA-approved and investigational drugs affecting adenosine pathways.
• To actualize current knowledge on adenosine signaling in therapeutics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of drugs targeting adenosine signaling.
• Inclusion of FDA-approved drugs and clinical trial candidates.
• Analysis of drugs with primary or secondary adenosine pathway modulation.

Main Results:

• Identified A2A adenosine receptor modulators (e.g., istradefylline, regadenoson).
• Cataloged anti-platelet, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-cancer drugs impacting adenosine signaling.
• Highlighted numerous adenosine pathway regulators in clinical trials for infectious and noninfectious diseases.

Conclusions:

• Targeting purinergic signaling presents significant therapeutic opportunities.
• Understanding adenosine's role in drug mechanisms facilitates drug repurposing.
• Adenosine pathway modulation opens avenues for novel therapeutic strategies.