5′-nucleotidase (5′-NT) also known as CD73, is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the NT5E gene. CD73 commonly serves to convert AMP to adenosine. Ecto-5-prime-nucleotidase (5-prime-ribonucleotide phosphohydrolase; EC 3.1.3.5) catalyzes the conversion at neutral pH of purine 5-prime mononucleotides to nucleosides, the preferred substrate being AMP. The enzyme is used as a marker of lymphocyte differentiation. Consequently, a deficiency of NT5 occurs in a variety of immunodeficiency diseases (e.g., see MIM 102700, MIM 300300). NT5E can act as an immune inhibitory control molecule. Free adenosine generated by NT5E inhibits cellular immune responses and thereby promotes immune escape of tumor cells. Due to enzymatic and non-enzymatic properties, CD73 is involved in cancer-related processes and is upregulated in many cancers such as leukemia, glioblastoma, melanoma, oesophageal, prostate, ovarian and breast cancer. It is an important key molecule in cancer regulation and development and is involved in tumor progression. In addition, NT5E functions as an adhesion and signaling molecule and can regulate cellular signaling with extracellular matrix components such as fibronectin and laminin.
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