Pharmacology and therapeutic applications of A3 receptor subtype

The present study summarizes the biological effects elicit upon A(3) adenosine receptor (A(3)AR) activation in normal and tumor cells. Anti-inflamatory response is mediated upon A(3)AR activation in neutrophils, eosinophils and macrophages via direct effect on cell degranulation or the production of anti-inflamatory cytokines. In basophils, which highly express A(3)AR, degranulation and mediator release upon receptor activation lead to pro-inflammatory effects resulting in bronchospasm and asthma. In other normal cells such as cardiomyocytes, neuronal cells and bone marrow cells A(3)AR activation induces cytoprotective effects in vitro. In vivo, A(3)AR agonists act as cardio- and neuroprotective agents and attenuate ischemic damage. Furthermore, agonists to A(3)AR induce granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) production and myeloprotective effect in chemotherapy treated mice. Interestingly, A(3)AR agonists inhibit tumor cell growth both in vitro and in vivo through a cytostatic effect mediated via the de-regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway. The variety of activities elicit by A(3)AR agonists suggest their potential use as therapeutic agents in inflammation, brain/cardiac ischemia and cancer. Antagonists to A(3)AR may be implemented to the therapy of asthma and additional allergic conditions.