Human 5'-Nucleotidase (NT5E) Protein

Background

The NT5E gene encodes 5'-nucleotidase ecto, also known as CD73, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored enzyme that is crucial in purinergic signaling. It catalyzes the hydrolysis of extracellular nucleotides into nucleosides, with a primary function of converting AMP (adenosine monophosphate) to adenosine. CD73 is expressed on a wide range of cell types, including endothelial cells, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, T cells, and tumor cells. It plays a fundamental role in regulating inflammation, vascular permeability, immune response, and tissue protection under stress conditions such as ischemia. Adenosine generated by CD73 is a potent signaling molecule that binds to adenosine receptors (A1, A2A, A2B, and A3) to mediate various physiological processes, including anti-inflammatory effects, vasodilation, and immunosuppression. In the immune system, CD73 suppresses pro-inflammatory responses and helps in the resolution of inflammation. This dual role makes NT5E a key molecule in both health and disease, especially in pathologies such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic inflammatory disorders.