A delicate balance: CD73-generated adenosine limits the severity of graft vs. host disease but also constrains the allogeneic graft vs. tumor effect

The utility of allogeneic stem cell transplantation for treating hematologic malignancies is enhanced by the graft vs. tumor (GvT) effect, but limited by graft vs. host disease (GvHD). Studies involving the inhibition of CD73 by genetic or pharmacologic means suggest that the levels of CD73-generated adenosine may be manipulated to control GvHD, while maintaining the GvT effect.