The Key Role of NAD+ in Anti-Tumor Immune Response: An Update

Frontiers in Immunology

Fabio Malavasi¹  Alberto Leonardo Horenstein¹  Fabio Morandi² 

[1] Dipartimento Scienze Mediche, Università di Torino, Centro Ricerche Medicina Sperimentale (CeRMS) and Fondazione Ricerca Molinette Onlus, Torino, Italy;Laboratorio Cellule Staminali Post-Natali e Terapie Cellulari, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy;

关键词: NAD+;    human tumors;    immune response;    CD38;    T cells;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fimmu.2021.658263

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an important molecule that functions as a co-enzyme in numerous metabolic processes. Generated both through de novo synthesis and via salvage pathways, NAD+ is the substrate for a variety of NAD+-consuming enzymes. Among them is CD38, a cell surface ecto-enzyme widely expressed on different types of cells and endowed with the function of cADP-ribose synthases/NAD+ glycohydrolase. Surface CD38 expression is increased in different hematological and solid tumors, where it cooperates with other ecto-enzymes to produce the immunosuppressive molecule adenosine (ADO). Few studies have explored the correlation of NAD+ levels with T-cell mediated anti-tumor response in preclinical models. We therefore discuss these novel findings, examining the possible contribution of NAD+ depletion, along with ADO production, in the immunosuppressive activities of CD38 in the context of human tumors. Lastly, we discuss the use of pharmacological inhibitors of CD38 and supplementation of different NAD+ precursors to increase NAD+ levels and to boost T cell responses. Such molecules may be employed as adjuvant therapies, in combination with standard treatments, for cancer patients.

【 授权许可】

Unknown