CD73 on cancer-associated fibroblasts enhanced by the A_2B-mediated feedforward circuit enforces an immune checkpoint.

Abstract

CD73, an ecto-5'-nucleotidase (NT5E), serves as an immune checkpoint by generating adenosine (ADO), which suppresses immune activation through the A_2A receptor. Elevated CD73 levels in tumor tissues correlate with poor clinical outcomes. However, the crucial source of CD73 activity within the tumor microenvironment remains unspecified. Here, we demonstrate that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) constitute the prominent CD73^hi population in human colorectal cancers (CRCs) and two CD73^- murine tumor models, including a modified CRC. Clinically, high CAF abundancy in CRC tissues correlates strongly with elevated CD73 activity and poor prognosis. Mechanistically, CAF-CD73 expression is enhanced via an ADO-A_2B receptor-mediated feedforward circuit triggered by tumor cell death, which enforces the CD73-checkpoint. Simultaneous inhibition of A_2A and A_2B pathways with CD73-neutralization synergistically enhances antitumor immunity in CAF-rich tumors. Therefore, the strategic and effective targeting of both the A_2B-mediated ADO-CAF-CD73 feedforward circuit and A_2A-mediated immune suppression is crucial for improving therapeutic outcomes.