Exploring Biginelli-based scaffolds as A2B adenosine receptor antagonists: Unveiling novel structure-activity relationship trends, lead compounds, and potent colorectal anticancer agents.

Antagonists of the A2B adenosine receptor have recently emerged as targeted anticancer agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors within the realm of cancer immunotherapy. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of novel Biginelli-assembled pyrimidine chemotypes, including mono-, bi-, and tricyclic derivatives, as A2BAR antagonists. We conducted a comprehensive examination of the adenosinergic profile (both binding and functional) of a large compound library consisting of 168 compounds. This approach unveiled original lead compounds and enabled the identification of novel structure-activity relationship (SAR) trends, which were supported by extensive computational studies, including quantum mechanical calculations and free energy perturbation (FEP) analysis. In total, 25 molecules showed attractive affinity (Ki < 100 nM) and outstanding selectivity for A2BAR. From these, five molecules corresponding to the new benzothiazole scaffold were below the Ki < 10 nM threshold, in addition to a novel dual A2A/A2B antagonist. The most potent compounds, and the dual antagonist, showed enantiospecific recognition in the A2BAR. Two A2BAR selective antagonists and the dual A2AAR/A2BAR antagonist reported in this study were assessed for their impact on colorectal cancer cell lines. The results revealed a significant and dose-dependent reduction in cell proliferation. Notably, the A2BAR antagonists exhibited remarkable specificity, as they did not impede the proliferation of non-tumoral cell lines. These findings support the efficacy and potential that A2BAR antagonists as valuable candidates for cancer therapy, but also that they can effectively complement strategies involving A2AAR antagonism in the context of immune checkpoint inhibition.

Adenosine A2B receptor agonist improves epidermal barrier integrity in a murine model of epidermal hyperplasia.

Adenosine regulates multiple physiological processes through the activation of four receptor subtypes, of which the A2B adenosine receptor (A2BAR) has the lowest affinity for adenosine. Being the adenosine receptor subtype most prominently expressed in epidermis, we recently described the antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effect of the selective A2BAR agonist BAY60-6583 (BAY) in human keratinocytes stimulated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), so we sought to establish the effect of topical application of BAY in a model of murine epidermal hyperplasia. Topical application of BAY (1 or 10 µg/site) prevented the inflammatory reaction and skin lesions induced by TPA, minimizing hyperproliferation and acanthosis, as well as the expression of specific markers of proliferative keratinocytes. On the other hand, pre-treatment with the selective A2BAR antagonist, PSB-1115 (PSB, 5 or 50 µg/site) reversed these beneficial effects. Additionally, BAY application normalized the expression of epidermal barrier proteins, whose integrity is altered in inflammatory skin diseases, while treatment with the antagonist alone worsened it. Our results, besides confirming the anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects of the A2BAR agonist, further demonstrate a role of A2BAR activation to preserve the epidermal barrier. Therefore, the activation of A2BAR may constitute a possible new pharmacological target for the treatment of skin inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis.

Subtle Structural Changes across the Boundary between A2AR/A2BR Dual Antagonism and A2BR Antagonism: A Novel Class of 2-Aminopyrimidine-Based Derivatives.

Aberrantly elevated adenosine in the tumor microenvironment exerts its immunosuppressive functions through adenosine receptors A2AR and A2BR. Antagonism of A2AR and A2BR has the potential to suppress tumor growth. Herein, we report a systemic assessment of the effects of an indole modification at position 4, 5, 6, or 7 on both A2AR/A2BR activity and selectivity of novel 2-aminopyrimidine compounds. Substituting indole at the 4-/5-position produced potent A2AR/A2BR dual antagonism, whereas the 6-position of indole substitution gave highly selective A2BR antagonism. Molecular dynamics simulation showed that the 5-cyano compound 7ai had a lower binding free energy than the 6-cyano compound 7aj due to water-bridged hydrogen bond interactions with E169 or F168 in A2AR. Of note, dual A2AR/A2BR antagonism by compound 7ai can profoundly promote the activation and cytotoxic function of T cells. This work provided a strategy for obtaining novel dual A2AR/A2BR or A2BR antagonists by fine-tuning structural modification.

Activation of adenosine A2B receptor alleviates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and restoring autophagy flux.

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) poses a significant threat to patients with coronary heart disease. Adenosine A2A receptors have been known as a protective role in MIRI by regulating autophagy, so we assumed that activation of adenosine A2B receptor (A2BAR) might exert a similar effect during MIRI and underlying mechanism be related to proteostasis maintenance as well. In situ hearts were subjected to 30 min of ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion (IR), while invitro cardiomyocytes from neonatal rats experienced 6 h of oxygen-glucose deprivation followed by 12 h of reoxygenation (OGDR). Initially, we observed that post-ischemia-reperfusion induced autophagy flux blockade and ERS both in vivo and in vitro, evident through the increased expression of p62, LC3II, and BIP, which indicated the deteriorated proteostasis. We used a selective A2BAR agonist, Bay 60-6583, to explore the positive effects of A2BAR on cardiomyocytes and found that A2BAR activation rescued damaged cardiac function and morphological changes in the IR group and improved frail cell viability in the OGDR group. The A2BAR agonist also alleviated the blockage of autophagic flux, coupled with augmented ERS in the IR/OGDR group, which was reassured by using an autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) and ERS inhibitor (4-PBA) in vitro. Additionally, considering cAMP/PKA as a well-known downstream effector of A2BAR, we utilized H89, a selective PKA inhibitor. We observed that the positive efficacy of Bay 60-6583 was inhibited by H89. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that the A2BAR/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway exerts a protective role in MIRI by mitigating impaired autophagic flux and excessive ERS.

Structural insight into the dual-antagonistic mechanism of AB928 on adenosine A2 receptors.

The adenosine subfamily G protein-coupled receptors A2AR and A2BR have been identified as promising cancer immunotherapy candidates. One of the A2AR/A2BR dual antagonists, AB928, has progressed to a phase II clinical trial to treat rectal cancer. However, the precise mechanism underlying its dual-antagonistic properties remains elusive. Herein, we report crystal structures of the A2AR complexed with AB928 and a selective A2AR antagonist 2-118. The structures revealed a common binding mode on A2AR, wherein the ligands established extensive interactions with residues from the orthosteric and secondary pockets. In contrast, the cAMP assay and A2AR and A2BR molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the ligands adopted distinct binding modes on A2BR. Detailed analysis of their chemical structures suggested that AB928 readily adapted to the A2BR pocket, while 2-118 did not due to intrinsic differences. This disparity potentially accounted for the difference in inhibitory efficacy between A2BR and A2AR. This study serves as a valuable structural template for the future development of selective or dual inhibitors targeting A2AR/A2BR for cancer therapy.

Blockage of the adenosine A2B receptor prevents cardiac fibroblasts overgrowth in rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Sustained pressure overload and fibrosis of the right ventricle (RV) are the leading causes of mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Although the role of adenosine in PAH has been attributed to the control of pulmonary vascular tone, cardiac reserve, and inflammatory processes, the involvement of the nucleoside in RV remodelling remains poorly understood. Conflicting results exist on targeting the low-affinity adenosine A2B receptor (A2BAR) for the treatment of PAH mostly because it displays dual roles in acute vs. chronic lung diseases. Herein, we investigated the role of the A2BAR in the viability/proliferation and collagen production by cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) isolated from RVs of rats with monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH. CFs from MCT-treated rats display higher cell viability/proliferation capacity and overexpress A2BAR compared to the cells from healthy littermates. The enzymatically stable adenosine analogue, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA, 1-30 µM), concentration-dependently increased growth, and type I collagen production by CFs originated from control and PAH rats, but its effects were more prominent in cells from rats with PAH. Blockage of the A2BAR with PSB603 (100 nM), but not of the A2AAR with SCH442416 (100 nM), attenuated the proliferative effect of NECA in CFs from PAH rats. The A2AAR agonist, CGS21680 (3 and 10 nM), was virtually devoid of effect. Overall, data suggest that adenosine signalling via A2BAR may contribute to RV overgrowth secondary to PAH. Therefore, blockage of the A2AAR may be a valuable therapeutic alternative to mitigate cardiac remodelling and prevent right heart failure in PAH patients.

Adenosine signaling as target in cardiovascular pharmacology.

Increasing evidence demonstrated the relevance of adenosine system in the onset and development of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, myocardial infarct, ischemia, hypertension, heart failure, and atherosclerosis. In this regard, intense research efforts are being focused on the characterization of the pathophysiological significance of adenosine, acting at its membrane receptors named A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 receptors, in cardiovascular diseases. The present review article provides an integrated and comprehensive overview about current clinical and pre-clinical evidence about the role of adenosine in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. Particular attention has been focused on current scientific evidence about the pharmacological ligands acting on adenosine pathway as useful tools to manage cardiovascular diseases.

The resurgence of the Adora2b receptor as an immunotherapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a dense desmoplastic stroma that impedes drug delivery, reduces parenchymal blood flow, and suppresses the anti-tumor immune response. The extracellular matrix and abundance of stromal cells result in severe hypoxia within the tumor microenvironment (TME), and emerging publications evaluating PDAC tumorigenesis have shown the adenosine signaling pathway promotes an immunosuppressive TME and contributes to the overall low survival rate. Hypoxia increases many elements of the adenosine signaling pathway, resulting in higher adenosine levels in the TME, further contributing to immune suppression. Extracellular adenosine signals through 4 adenosine receptors (Adora1, Adora2a, Adora2b, Adora3). Of the 4 receptors, Adora2b has the lowest affinity for adenosine and thus, has important consequences when stimulated by adenosine binding in the hypoxic TME. We and others have shown that Adora2b is present in normal pancreas tissue, and in injured or diseased pancreatic tissue, Adora2b levels are significantly elevated. The Adora2b receptor is present on many immune cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, natural killer T cells, γδ T cells, B cells, T cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells. In these immune cell types, adenosine signaling through Adora2b can reduce the adaptive anti-tumor response, augmenting immune suppression, or may contribute to transformation and changes in fibrosis, perineural invasion, or the vasculature by binding the Adora2b receptor on neoplastic epithelial cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves. In this review, we discuss the mechanistic consequences of Adora2b activation on cell types in the tumor microenvironment. As the cell-autonomous role of adenosine signaling through Adora2b has not been comprehensively studied in pancreatic cancer cells, we will also discuss published data from other malignancies to infer emerging therapeutic considerations for targeting the Adora2b adenosine receptor to reduce the proliferative, invasive, and metastatic potential of PDAC cells.

Improving combination therapies: targeting A2B-adenosine receptor to modulate metabolic tumor microenvironment and immunosuppression.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the role of A2B-adenosine receptor in regulating immunosuppressive metabolic stress in the tumor microenvironment. Novel A2B-adenosine receptor antagonist PBF-1129 was tested for antitumor activity in mice and evaluated for safety and immunologic efficacy in a phase I clinical trial of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS: The antitumor efficacy of A2B-adenosine receptor antagonists and their impact on the metabolic and immune tumor microenvironment were evaluated in lung, melanoma, colon, breast, and epidermal growth factor receptor-inducible transgenic cancer models. Employing electron paramagnetic resonance, we assessed changes in tumor microenvironment metabolic parameters, including pO2, pH, and inorganic phosphate, during tumor growth and evaluated the immunologic effects of PBF-1129, including its pharmacokinetics, safety, and toxicity, in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. RESULTS: Levels of metabolic stress correlated with tumor growth, metastasis, and immunosuppression. Tumor interstitial inorganic phosphate emerged as a correlative and cumulative measure of tumor microenvironment stress and immunosuppression. A2B-adenosine receptor inhibition alleviated metabolic stress, downregulated expression of adenosine-generating ectonucleotidases, increased expression of adenosine deaminase, decreased tumor growth and metastasis, increased interferon γ production, and enhanced the efficacy of antitumor therapies following combination regimens in animal models (anti-programmed cell death 1 protein vs anti-programmed cell death 1 protein plus PBF-1129 treatment hazard ratio = 11.74 [95% confidence interval = 3.35 to 41.13], n = 10, P < .001, 2-sided F test). In patients with non-small cell lung cancer, PBF-1129 was well tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities; demonstrated pharmacologic efficacy; modulated the adenosine generation system; and improved antitumor immunity. CONCLUSIONS: Data identify A2B-adenosine receptor as a valuable therapeutic target to modify metabolic and immune tumor microenvironment to reduce immunosuppression, enhance the efficacy of immunotherapies, and support clinical application of PBF-1129 in combination therapies.

Klotho Null Mutation Involvement in Adenosine A2B Receptor-Related Skeletal Muscle Degeneration.

Klotho is known for its age-suppressing function and has been implicated in sarcopenia pathology. It has recently been proposed that the adenosine A2B receptor plays a crucial role in skeletal muscle energy expenditure. However, the association between Klotho and A2B remains elusive. In this study, Klotho knockout mice, aged 10 weeks, and wild-type mice, aged 10 and 64 weeks, were used for comparison in indicators of sarcopenia (n = 6 for each group). PCR was performed to confirm the mice genotypes. Skeletal muscle sections were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining as well as immunohistochemistry staining. The skeletal muscle cross-sectional area was significantly reduced in Klotho knockout mice and wild-type mice, aged 64 weeks, when compared with wild-type mice, aged 10 weeks, with a decreased percentage of type IIa and IIb myofibers. Likely impaired regenerative capacity, as reflected by the reduction of paired box 7 (Pax7)- and myogenic differentiation protein 1 (MyoD)-positive cells, was also observed in Klotho knockout mice and aged wild-type mice. 8-Hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine expression was enhanced with Klotho knockout and aging, indicating higher oxidative stress. Adenosine A2B signaling was impaired, with a lower expression of the A2B receptor and the cAMP-response element binding protein in Klotho knockout and aged mice. The present study provides the novel finding that sarcopenia involves adenosine signaling under the influence of Klotho knockout.

Adenosine Receptor A2B Antagonist Inhibits the Metastasis of Gastric Cancer Cells and Enhances the Efficacy of Cisplatin.

Adenosine receptors play a key role in cancer progression. This study investigated the effect of the adenosine A2B receptor (ADORA2B) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and cell metastasis of gastric cancer (GC) cells. Public databases were used to investigate the specificity of ADORA2B expression in GC tissue. We used immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to detect ADORA2B expression in GC tissue, paracancerous tissue, and metastatic greater omental tissue. AGS and HGC-27 GC cells were selected. The effect of ADORA2B on the invasion and migration of GC cells was examined using cell scratch and transwell assays. The effect of ADORA2B on the expression of EMT marker proteins (ß-catenin, N-cadherin, and vimentin) in GC cells was measured by cellular immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot. The effects of an ADORA2B inhibitor combined with cisplatin on EMT markers in GC cells were further explored. The expression levels of ADORA2B in GC tissue, metastatic greater omental tissue, and lymphatic metastasis tissue were significantly higher than those in paracancerous tissue, and ADORA2B was associated with lymph node metastasis and invasion. ADORA2B significantly regulated the invasion and migration ability of GC cells and the expression levels of EMT marker proteins. The combination of an ADORA2B antagonist (PSB-603) and cisplatin had a more significant effect on reversing the expression of EMT marker proteins. ADORA2B was overexpressed in GC tissue, metastatic greater omental tissue, and metastatic lymph node tissue. ADORA2B regulated the expression of EMT marker proteins in GC cells and affected GC cell metastasis. Antagonizing ADORA2B expression increased the efficacy of cisplatin treatment.

Exploring the Effect of Halogenation in a Series of Potent and Selective A2B Adenosine Receptor Antagonists.

The modulation of the A2B adenosine receptor is a promising strategy in cancer (immuno) therapy, with A2BAR antagonists emerging as immune checkpoint inhibitors. Herein, we report a systematic assessment of the impact of (di- and mono-)halogenation at positions 7 and/or 8 on both A2BAR affinity and pharmacokinetic properties of a collection of A2BAR antagonists and its study with structure-based free energy perturbation simulations. Monohalogenation at position 8 produced potent A2BAR ligands irrespective of the nature of the halogen. In contrast, halogenation at position 7 and dihalogenation produced a halogen-size-dependent decay in affinity. Eight novel A2BAR ligands exhibited remarkable affinity (Ki < 10 nM), exquisite subtype selectivity, and enantioselective recognition, with some eutomers eliciting sub-nanomolar affinity. The pharmacokinetic profile of representative derivatives showed enhanced solubility and microsomal stability. Finally, two compounds showed the capacity of reversing the antiproliferative effect of adenosine in activated primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Cryo-EM structure of the human adenosine A2B receptor-Gs signaling complex.

The human adenosine A2B receptor (A2BR) is a class A G protein-coupled receptor that is involved in several major physiological and pathological processes throughout the body. A2BR recognizes its ligands adenosine and NECA with relatively low affinity, but the detailed mechanism for its ligand recognition and signaling is still elusive. Here, we present two structures determined by cryo-electron microscopy of A2BR bound to its agonists NECA and BAY60-6583, each coupled to an engineered Gs protein. The structures reveal conserved orthosteric binding pockets with subtle differences, whereas the selectivity or specificity can mainly be attributed to regions extended from the orthosteric pocket. We also found that BAY60-6583 occupies a secondary pocket, where residues V2506.51 and N2737.36 were two key determinants for its selectivity against A2BR. This study offers a better understanding of ligand selectivity for the adenosine receptor family and provides a structural template for further development of A2BR ligands for related diseases.

Preliminary Evidence of the Potent and Selective Adenosine A2B Receptor Antagonist PSB-603 in Reducing Obesity and Some of Its Associated Metabolic Disorders in Mice.

The adenosine A2A and A2B receptors are promising therapeutic targets in the treatment of obesity and diabetes since the agonists and antagonists of these receptors have the potential to positively affect metabolic disorders. The present study investigated the link between body weight reduction, glucose homeostasis, and anti-inflammatory activity induced by a highly potent and specific adenosine A2B receptor antagonist, compound PSB-603. Mice were fed a high-fat diet for 14 weeks, and after 12 weeks, they were treated for 14 days intraperitoneally with the test compound. The A1/A2A/A2B receptor antagonist theophylline was used as a reference. Following two weeks of treatment, different biochemical parameters were determined, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, TNF-α, and IL-6 blood levels, as well as glucose and insulin tolerance. To avoid false positive results, mouse locomotor and spontaneous activities were assessed. Both theophylline and PSB-603 significantly reduced body weight in obese mice. Both compounds had no effects on glucose levels in the obese state; however, PSB-603, contrary to theophylline, significantly reduced triglycerides and total cholesterol blood levels. Thus, our observations showed that selective A2B adenosine receptor blockade has a more favourable effect on the lipid profile than nonselective inhibition.

A2B Adenosine Receptor Enhances Chemoresistance of Glioblastoma Stem-Like Cells under Hypoxia: New Insights into MRP3 Transporter Function.

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor, characterized by its high chemoresistance and the presence of a cell subpopulation that persists under hypoxic niches, called glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs). The chemoresistance of GSCs is mediated in part by adenosine signaling and ABC transporters, which extrude drugs outside the cell, such as the multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) subfamily. Adenosine promotes MRP1-dependent chemoresistance under normoxia. However, adenosine/MRPs-dependent chemoresistance under hypoxia has not been studied until now. Transcript and protein levels were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively. MRP extrusion capacity was determined by intracellular 5 (6)-Carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA) accumulation. Cell viability was measured by MTS assays. Cell cycle and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. Here, we show for the first time that MRP3 expression is induced under hypoxia through the A2B adenosine receptor. Hypoxia enhances MRP-dependent extrusion capacity and the chemoresistance of GSCs. Meanwhile, MRP3 knockdown decreases GSC viability under hypoxia. Downregulation of the A2B receptor decreases MRP3 expression and chemosensibilizes GSCs treated with teniposide under hypoxia. These data suggest that hypoxia-dependent activation of A2B adenosine receptor promotes survival of GSCs through MRP3 induction.

Adenosine metabolized from extracellular ATP promotes type 2 immunity through triggering A2BAR signaling in intestinal epithelial cells.

Intestinal nematode parasites can cross the epithelial barrier, causing tissue damage and release of danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that may promote host protective type 2 immunity. We investigate whether adenosine binding to the A2B adenosine receptor (A2BAR) on intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) plays an important role. Specific blockade of IEC A2BAR inhibits the host protective memory response to the enteric helminth, Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri (Hpb), including disruption of granuloma development at the host-parasite interface. Memory T cell development is blocked during the primary response, and transcriptional analyses reveal profound impairment of IEC activation. Extracellular ATP is visualized 24 h after inoculation and is shown in CD39-deficient mice to be critical for the adenosine production mediating the initiation of type 2 immunity. Our studies indicate a potent adenosine-mediated IEC pathway that, along with the tuft cell circuit, is critical for the activation of type 2 immunity.

Irreversible Antagonists for the Adenosine A2B Receptor.

Blockade of the adenosine A2B receptor (A2BAR) represents a potential novel strategy for the immunotherapy of cancer. In the present study, we designed, synthesized, and characterized irreversible A2BAR antagonists based on an 8-p-sulfophenylxanthine scaffold. Irreversible binding was confirmed in radioligand binding and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer(BRET)-based Gα15 protein activation assays by performing ligand wash-out and kinetic experiments. p-(1-Propylxanthin-8-yl)benzene sulfonyl fluoride (6a, PSB-21500) was the most potent and selective irreversible A2BAR antagonist of the present series with an apparent Ki value of 10.6 nM at the human A2BAR and >38-fold selectivity versus the other AR subtypes. The corresponding 3-cyclopropyl-substituted xanthine derivative 6c (PSB-21502) was similarly potent, but was non-selective versus A1- and A2AARs. Attachment of a reactive sulfonyl fluoride group to an elongated xanthine 8-substituent (12, Ki 7.37 nM) resulted in a potent, selective, reversibly binding antagonist. Based on previous docking studies, the lysine residue K2697.32 was proposed to react with the covalent antagonists. However, the mutant K269L behaved similarly to the wildtype A2BAR, indicating that 6a and related irreversible A2BAR antagonists do not interact with K2697.32. The new irreversible A2BAR antagonists will be useful tools and have the potential to be further developed as therapeutic drugs.

A1 and A2b adenosine receptors regulate GPX4 against ferroptosis of cardiomyocytes in myocardial infarction rat model and in vitro.

AIM: The regulation of GPX4 by A1AR and A2bAR was investigated, and whether the inhibition of A1AR and A2bAR on ferroptosis of myocardial cell is related to GPX4 was also discussed. METHODS: we constructed a rat model of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (MIR) model and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model of H9C2 cells, and MIR rats were intraperitoneally injected with A1AR and A2bAR agonists and antagonists. TTC staining, DHE, TUNEL, western blot experiments, immunohistochemistry assay were implemented to analyze the influence of A1AR and A2bAR on ferroptosis and potential role of GPX4. To further authenticate the result of non-specific agonists and antagonists, we transfected siRNA interference or overexpression vectors into cells. CCK8, flow cytometry and western blot were performed to evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis, and the expression of GPX4 and ferroptosis-related proteins. RESULTS: The experimental results showed that reduced expression of A1AR, A2bAR and GPX4 was found after MIR. A1AR and A2bAR activation by agonists increased GPX4 expression and decreased production of lipid ROS, further inhibiting apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. In addition, we also analyzed the effect of A1AR and A2bAR on ferroptosis-related proteins. We found that expression of FIH1 protein increased and expression of ACSL4 and NOX1 proteins decreased. Consistent with results in vivo, cellular data also indicated that A1AR and A2bAR overexpression could increase proliferation ability of H9C2, and inhibit apoptosis and ROS production, upregulate GPX4 and FIH1, and downregulate ACSL4 and NOX1. CONCLUSION: A1AR and A2bAR could regulate GPX4, thereby affecting ferroptosis of cardiomyocytes in a rat model of MIR.

Blocking the A2B adenosine receptor alleviates myocardial damage by inhibiting spleen-derived MDSC mobilisation after acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) mobilisation is an important immune event in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The A2B adenosine receptor (A2BAR) plays key role in regulating MDSC function, but its specific involvement in MDSC mobilisation in AMI remains unclear. METHODS: In AMI patients, the circulating MDSC ratio and A2BAR mRNA expression were measured. A mouse AMI model was established by left anterior descending coronary artery (LADCA) ligation. MDSCs were analysed by FACS and immunofluorescence staining (of heart tissue). A2BAR mRNA expression was assessed by qRT-PCR. Myocardial injury was detected by HE staining. Myocardial cell apoptosis was analysed by immunohistochemistry. Cardiac systolic function was evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS: In AMI patients, the circulating MDSC ratio was increased and positively correlated with A2BAR mRNA expression (r = 0.86, p < 0.01). In AMI model mice, the percentage of MDSCs was increased in the circulation and infarcted heart and decreased in the spleen. MRS-1754-mediated A2BAR inhibition decreased the MDSC ratio in the circulation and infarcted heart and prevented the decrease in MDSC number in the spleens of mice with AMI. A2BAR blockade inhibited myocardial cell apoptosis, alleviated myocardial inflammatory injury, and improved myocardial systolic function in the AMI mouse model. Similar results were found in mice after splenectomy. Additionally, spleen-derived MDSC injection increased the MDSC ratio in the infarcted heart, increased myocardial cell apoptosis, aggravated myocardial injury, and decreased cardiac systolic function in mice with AMI. CONCLUSION: Blocking A2BAR alleviates myocardial damage and improves myocardial systolic function through inhibition of spleen-derived MDSC mobilisation after AMI. Key MessagesSpleen-derived MDSC mobilisation aggravates myocardial inflammatory injury within 24 h of AMI.A2BAR promotes spleen-derived MDSC mobilisation within 24 h of AMI.Blocking A2BAR improves myocardial systolic function through inhibition of spleen-derived MDSC mobilisation.

A2B adenosine receptor antagonists rescue lymphocyte activity in adenosine-producing patient-derived cancer models.

BACKGROUND: Adenosine is a metabolite that suppresses antitumor immune response of T and NK cells via extracellular binding to the two subtypes of adenosine-2 receptors, A2ARs. While blockade of the A2AARs subtype effectively rescues lymphocyte activity, with four A2AAR antagonists currently in anticancer clinical trials, less is known for the therapeutic potential of the other A2BAR blockade within cancer immunotherapy. Recent studies suggest the formation of A2AAR/A2BAR dimers in tissues that coexpress the two receptor subtypes, where the A2BAR plays a dominant role, suggesting it as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. METHODS: We report the synthesis and functional evaluation of five potent A2BAR antagonists and a dual A2AAR/A2BAR antagonist. The compounds were designed using previous pharmacological data assisted by modeling studies. Synthesis was developed using multicomponent approaches. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the phenotype of T and NK cells on A2BAR antagonist treatment. Functional activity of T and NK cells was tested in patient-derived tumor spheroid models. RESULTS: We provide data for six novel small molecules: five A2BAR selective antagonists and a dual A2AAR/A2BAR antagonist. The growth of patient-derived breast cancer spheroids is prevented when treated with A2BAR antagonists. To elucidate if this depends on increased lymphocyte activity, immune cells proliferation, and cytokine production, lymphocyte infiltration was evaluated and compared with the potent A2AAR antagonist AZD-4635. We find that A2BAR antagonists rescue T and NK cell proliferation, IFNγ and perforin production, and increase tumor infiltrating lymphocytes infiltration into tumor spheroids without altering the expression of adhesion molecules. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that A2BAR is a promising target in immunotherapy, identifying ISAM-R56A as the most potent candidate for A2BAR blockade. Inhibition of A2BAR signaling restores T cell function and proliferation. Furthermore, A2BAR and dual A2AAR/A2BAR antagonists showed similar or better results than A2AAR antagonist AZD-4635 reinforcing the idea of dominant role of the A2BAR in the regulation of the immune system.