On the mechanism of anti-CD39 immune checkpoint therapy

Abstract

With the coming of age of cancer immunotherapy, the search for new therapeutic targets has led to the identification of immunosuppressive adenosine as an important regulator of antitumor immunity. This resulted in the development of selective inhibitors targeting various components of the adenosinergic pathway, including small molecules antagonists targeting the high affinity A2A adenosine receptor and low affinity A2B receptor, therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and small molecules targeting CD73 and therapeutic mAbs targeting CD39. As each regulator of the adenosinergic pathway present non-overlapping biologic functions, a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of each targeted approach should accelerate clinical translation and improve rational design of combination treatments. In this review, we discuss the potential mechanisms-of-action of anti-CD39 cancer therapy and potential toxicities that may emerge from sustained CD39 inhibition. Caution should be taken, however, in extrapolating data from gene-targeted mice to patients treated with blocking anti-CD39 agents. As phase I clinical trials are now underway, further insights into the mechanism of action and potential adverse events associated with anti-CD39 therapy are anticipated in coming years.

Introduction

The development of adenosine-targeting agents stems from foundational insights from a large body of biochemical, immunological, genetic and pharmacologic studies demonstrating the broad immunosuppressive effects of extracellular adenosine.1–3 Notably, using mice genetically deficient in adenosine A2A receptor, Sitkovsky and colleagues provided the first genetic evidence of the critical importance of the adenosinergic pathway in tumor immunity.4

CD39 and ATP signaling

ATP is released by dying or stressed cells in order to provide inflammatory signals crucial for effective innate and adaptive immune responses. Conversely, hydrolysis of extracellular ATP into adenosine serves to limit immune responses. CD39 (ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (ENTPD-1)) is the rate-limiting ecto-enzyme in the hydrolysis of extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

CD39 and adenosine receptors are upregulated in response to various stimuli such as hypoxia, tissue damage and remodeling (eg, hypoxia-induced factor (HIF)-1, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition) and in response to chronic inflammation (eg, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and T cell exhaustion). CD39 has further been reported to be upregulated by IL-27, oxidative stress and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR).5

Through enhanced expression of CD39, tumors are thus proficient at depleting immunostimulatory ATP.6 High levels of CD39 have been reported in various human tumors, including in pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, testicular cancer, lymphoma, sarcoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.7–10 While in some cases, tumor cells can overexpress CD39 compared with normal cells,7 cell types most frequently expressing CD39 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are fibroblasts, myeloid cells, vascular endothelial cell, T regulatory cells (Tregs) and tumor-specific T effector cells. CD73 is also prevalent in human tumors, and cell types most frequently expressing CD73 are tumor cells, myeloid cells, fibroblasts and endothelial cells.6

Present in negligible concentrations under normal conditions (10–100 nM), extracellular ATP rapidly increases in response to tissue injury and hypoxia11 and can be found at high concentrations in tumors (1–50 µM).12 ATP can be released from various cell types, either passively as a result of cellular necrosis or in a controlled manner most often through specialized channels such as pannexins (eg, Panx1) or hemichannel connexins (eg, Conx37 and Conx44). Once released, extracellular ATP signals through type 2 purinergic (P2) receptors, consisting of eight P2Y G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and seven P2X cation-selective channel receptors (P2XR; although only P2X1 P2X2, P2X3, P2X4, and P2X7 are believed to be functional). Notably, all P2X receptors can assemble into heteromeric receptors, with the exception of P2X7, which is only present as a homo-trimeric receptor.13

P2X7 is the most involved ATP receptor in inflammation. It is highly expressed on macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), granulocytes, T cells (particularly Tregs) and B cells. In contrast, P2X1 and P2X4 are restricted to lymphocytes and macrophages, while P2X2 and P2X3 are restricted to B cells.14 While P2X receptors are selective for ATP, P2Y receptors can also be activated by UTP, ADP, NADP/NAD⁺ and UDP. In immune cells, activation of P2Y215 and possibly P2Y616 enhances myeloid cell chemotaxis, activation of P2Y12 promotes antigen presentation by DCs in mice,17 and activation of P2Y11 (absent in mice) favors M1-like macrophage polarization,18 regulates IL-12 and IL-10 release and enhances chemotaxis. Overt P2Y11 stimulation, however, impairs T cell migration and activation by antigen-presenting cells (APCs).19

CD39 and adenosine signaling

By catabolizing the conversion of extracellular ATP into AMP, CD39 also increases extracellular adenosine production via CD73 (ecto-5′-nucleotidase), the rate-limiting ecto-enzyme in extracellular AMP hydrolysis. Adenosine signals through type 1 purinergic receptors and has opposing effects to those mediated by ATP receptors. All four adenosine receptors (ie, A1, A2A, A2B and A3) are GPCR. A1 and A3 receptors are preferentially coupled to G_i/o proteins, inhibiting adenylate cyclase and cyclic AMP production, while A2A and A2B receptors are generally G_s-coupled and trigger intracellular cAMP accumulation. In human, A1, A2A and A3 display high affinity for adenosine (Ki: 100–300 nM), while A2B receptor has significantly lower affinity (Ki: 10–15 uM). Both A2A and A2B contribute to adenosine-mediated immunosuppression.

In addition to ecto-nucleotidases, the adenosinergic pathway is regulated by membrane channels (ATP release), concentrative and equilibrative nucleotides transporters, adenosine deaminase and by specific ATP and adenosine receptors with various expression levels and coexpression patterns. Importantly, each regulator of the ATP-adenosinergic pathway has non-overlapping biologic function, evidenced by the different phenotypes of gene-deficient mice. This implies that targeting a specific enzyme, receptor or transporter of the adenosine pathway will likely trigger distinct biologic effects and that combined inhibition of multiple component may be synergistic, as was suggested in preclinical animal studies.20

Adenosine signaling in tumor immunity

Adenosine-mediated immunosuppression has been extensively reviewed elsewhere.6 21 High affinity A2A and low affinity A2B adenosine receptors induce cyclic AMP response element dependent redirection of transcription in T cells and myeloid cells.22 The importance of adenosine signaling in tumor immunity, particularly through A2A receptors, is best exemplified by the fact that mice globally deficient in A2A or CD73 mount increased antitumor CD8⁺ T cell-mediated and natural killer (NK) cell-mediated responses,4 that targeted blockade of A2A receptors or CD73 synergizes with immune checkpoint blockade,23 immunogenic chemotherapies,24 BRAF and MEK inhibitors,25 adoptive cell therapy26 or tumor-targeted antibodies such as trastuzumab.27 Notably, conditional deletion of A2A in myeloid cells or NK cells significantly enhances antitumor immune responses.28 However, conditional deletion of A2A in T cells has been associated with precipitated activation-induced cell death.29

CD39, NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis

Extracellular ATP is a potent activator of the NLRP3 inflammasome, a cytosolic complex that once activated cleaves caspase-1, which then processes prointerleukin-1β (IL-1β) and pro-IL-18 to their secreted forms.30 IL-1R signaling enhances CD8⁺ T cell function by upregulating effector proteins, such as granzyme B, and by promoting antigen-driven proliferation.31 Consistent with an important role for NLRP3 inflammasome in promoting antitumor immunity, anti-PD-1 or anti-CTLA-4 mAb therapy is less effective in Nlrp3^−/− or Casp1/11^−/− mice.32 Furthermore, inflammasome-related genes are significantly upregulated in anti-PD-1 responder, but not in non-responder, melanoma patients.32 These studies support the notion that NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to adaptive antitumor immunity. Yet, NLRP3 inflammasomes and IL-1 signaling can promote tumor growth and have been shown to suppress NK cell function in mice,33 for instance via IL-1R8.34 IL-1 signaling has also been associated with increased chemoresistance in mouse models of cancer35 and production of protumorigenic IL-22.36 In prognostic studies, higher tumor IL-1β levels have been associated with improved survival of patients with lymph node-positive breast cancer,37 while the use of a blocking anti-IL-1β antibody in patients with cardiovascular diseases showed a reduction on lung cancer incidence.38

Extracellular ATP activates NLRP3 inflammasome through P2X7 receptors. P2X7 is an ionic channel-forming receptor with low affinity for ATP. Thus, only high concentrations of ATP achieved on cellular stress responses, cell death or inflammation can activate P2X7. By increasing K⁺ efflux,39 P2X7 promotes assembly of NRLP3 complexes and enhances adaptive immunity. This is exemplified in the context of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, where P2X7-deficient recipient mice have shown improved survival, decreased graft-versus-host disease, reduced TNF-α, IL-6 and interferon (IFN)-γ, and increased IL-10 and Tregs.40

Human P2RX7 is highly polymorphic. At least eight loss-of-function single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified,41 the best characterized being E496A polymorphism (rs3751143).42 Notably, breast cancer patients with this loss-of-function E496A substitution display shorter metastatic disease-free survival,43 consistent with a critical role for extracellular ATP in promoting antitumor responses. Three gain-of-function P2RX7 SNPs have been identified: H155Y, H270R, and A348T.44–46 Notably, haplotypes containing the A348T polymorphism (rs1718119) present a threefold increase in activity.46 Whether polymorphisms in P2RX7 are associated with clinical responses to immune checkpoint blockade remains to be assessed.

ATP-mediated activation of NLPR3 inflammasome is also associated with cell death by pyroptosis.47–49 Pyroptosis promotes the clearance of pathogens by removing intracellular replication niches and enhancing the host’s defensive responses through the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Importantly, pyroptosis can occur in the absence of IL-1β and IL-18 production. Uncoupling of cytokine release and pyroptosis is regulated by unique functions of caspase-1 and caspase-1150 and by the Toll-like receptor adaptor SARM (Sterile α and HEAT Armadillo motif-containing protein). A recent study demonstrated that SARM expression in macrophages suppresses the association between ASC and NLRP3, thus preventing inflammasome activation but increases mitochondrial depolarization in response to specific NLRP3 ligands, thus promoting pyroptosis.51 Whether ATP-induced pyroptosis is regulated by SARM and whether SARM is expressed in tumor-associated macrophages remains unknown. Notwithstanding, CD39 inhibition might induce P2X7-mediated pyroptosis of myeloid cells and increased IL-1β and IL-18 production, as suggested by CD39-deficient mice.52

CD39 and tumor antigen presentation

ATP release from dying tumor cells, together with calreticulin exposure and HMGB1 secretion, are hallmarks of immunogenic cell death (ICD). Immune-stimulating ICD has been extensively shown to promote antitumor immune responses.53 The antitumor efficacy of certain types of chemotherapy rely on ICD for optimal activity. During ICD, activation P2XR7 and NLRP3 inflammasome in DCs and production of IL-1β are required to prime antitumor T immunity.43 Depletion of ATP by CD39 expression on tumor cells has been shown to completely abrogate the antitumor activity of immunogenic chemotherapy.54 Consistent with this, administration of a CD39 inhibitor (ARL67156) was shown to restore ICD triggered by mitoxantrone. From a mechanistic point of view, overexpression of CD39 was shown to prevent ATP-dependent differentiation of CD11b⁺Ly6C^hi tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells into inflammatory DC-like cells, ultimately impairing antitumor immune responses.55

Inhibition of CD39 activity was also shown to restore the sensitivity of autophagy-deficient tumors to immunogenic chemotherapy. Accordingly, blocking CD39 with ARL67156 enhanced tumorous ATP levels and immune control of autophagy-deficient tumors by favoring the recruitment of DCs and IFN-γ producing CD4 and CD8 T cells.54 Building on this work, Rao et al56 subsequently demonstrated that tumor cell autophagy regulates cancer immunosurveillance through CD39-mediated ATP depletion and activation of adenosine signaling. The authors observed that tumor-specific Atg5 loss induced an HIFα-dependent overexpression of CD39 on Kras mutated lung tumor cells. Treatment of KRas;Atg5^fl/fl mice with a CD39 inhibitor (POM-1) or with a selective A2B receptor antagonist (PSB1115) abolished the accumulation of intratumoral Tregs and reduced the number of tumor foci. This study thus supports the notion that autophagy-deficient tumors can subvert antitumor immunity and favor the early phases of oncogenesis by a mechanism involving Treg recruitment in a CD39 and adenosine-dependent manner.

Further supporting a role for extracellular ATP in promoting antigen presentation, ATP-stimulated DCs upregulate costimulatory molecules and MHC class II, increase their endocytotic activity, produce more IL-12 and show an increased ability to induce T cell proliferation in vitro.17 57 Conversely, matured DCs upregulate expression of A2A and A2B receptors that inhibit production of IL-6, IL-12 and IFN-γ.58 Interestingly, mouse and human liver DCs express higher levels of CD39 than other DCs and are more resistant to prostimulatory effects of exogenous ATP. Consistent with this, CD39-deficient liver DCs exhibit a more mature phenotype, greater responsiveness to TLR ligands and stronger proinflammatory and immunostimulatory activity.59 However, chronic stimulation of DCs with extracellular ATP may suppress Th1 responses. Accordingly, chronic ATP exposure was shown to dose-dependently inhibit LPS-dependent and soluble CD40 ligand-dependent production of IL-1, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12 by DCs.60

CD39 and macrophage function

Mosser and colleagues proposed that ‘CD39 acts as a ‘molecular switch’ that controls the balance between inflammatory and regulatory macrophage differentiation’.61 Macrophages secrete, hydrolyze and respond to extracellular ATP. Macrophages further upregulate CD39 in response to P2X7 activation, thus regulating their function. Notably, blocking CD39 on macrophages significantly enhances their production of TNF-α and IL-12 and decreases their production of IL-10.62 63 Consistent with this, CD39-deficient mice exhibit higher levels of inflammatory cytokines in response to LPS-induced sepsis. In contrast, inhibition or deletion of P2X7 in macrophages attenuates their production of proinflammatory cytokines. Combined P2X7 blockade and A2A receptor activation is required to protect septic CD39-deficient mice against inflammation-induced tissue injury.63

Extracellular release of ATP by dead or dying cells also serves as a ‘find-me’ signal promoting chemotaxis of monocytes, macrophages and neutrophils.15 64 Notably, ATP is released in a polarized fashion by macrophages, resulting in the accumulation of extracellular ATP near the cell surface closest to the source of chemotactic stimuli in order to amplify chemotactic signals by activating P2Y2 receptors. However, adding excessive exogenous ATP has been shown to block chemotaxis of macrophages, suggesting that it is the gradient of extracellular ATP concentrations that promote chemotaxis.65

Increasing extracellular ATP levels also promotes macrophage phagocytosis. This is mediated through activation of P2X4 and P2X7 receptors, which trigger calcium signaling among neighboring macrophages on autocrine and paracrine release of ATP.66 Thus, ATP signaling promotes communication among macrophages through the propagation of calcium waves to enhance their phagocytic function. Conversely, depletion of ATP by soluble CD39-like apyrase suppressed macrophage phagocytosis in vitro. Notably, ‘M1’-like macrophages were more effective in propagating ATP-induced paracrine calcium signaling than ‘M2’-like macrophages. Increasing intracellular calcium is known to promote other macrophage function, such as FcR-mediated killing and chemokine signaling.67 Whether CD39 expression inhibits FcR signaling remains to be investigated.

Extracellular ATP also stimulates microvesicle release from monocytes and macrophages, a major secretory pathway for rapid production of IL-1β and IL-18.68 In macrophages and other myeloid cells, this is mediated by P2X7 activation. In turn, macrophage-derived microvesicles activate unprimed macrophages in a partially TLR4-dependent manner.69 Macrophages-derived microvesicles serve to induce expression of costimulatory CD86, CD80, CD83, and MHC class II and to increase secretion of TNF-α from other macrophages. A recent study revealed that ATP also redirects TNF trafficking in macrophages, switching off production of the soluble form and increasing the release of transmembrane pro-TNF into microvesicles.70 Surprisingly, pro-TNF embedded into these microvesicles appear to be biologically more potent than soluble TNF in vivo. Thus, accumulation of extracellular ATP by targeting CD39 may enhance TNF-mediated responses by redirecting its trafficking to microvesicles.

CD39 and neutrophil function

In mice, injection of exogenous ATP promotes rapid neutrophil recruitment by a mechanism dependent on caspase-1/11 activation.32 Neutrophils also release ATP in response to chemokines. This autocrine signaling serves to amplify chemotactic signals in neutrophils via P2Y2 receptors.65 Activation of P2Y2 receptors on neutrophils has also been shown to promote arachidonic acid release, degranulation and oxidative burst.71 Hydrolysis of ATP by CD39—abundant on neutrophils—promotes neutrophil chemotaxis through activation of A3 receptors. In the absence of ATP hydrolysis (by CD39), exogenous ATP has been proposed to promote random neutrophil migration.65 In contrast, others have reported increased neutrophil trafficking into the lungs in CD39-deficient mice following LPS-induced challenge.72 Treating neutrophils with a CD39 inhibitor or siRNA was also shown to increase IL-8 production in response to TLR4 and TLR1/2 agonists, due to a synergy between TLRs and P2 receptors signaling.71

The P2X1 receptor also modulate neutrophil chemotaxis, but in contrast to P2Y2, its serves to stop neutrophil migration once neutrophils reach sites of infection. Following TLR activation with LPS, neutrophils release extracellular ATP to activate P2X1 receptor and stop neutrophil migration.73 Notably, adding non-hydrolyzable ATP to neutrophils facilitated the halting of chemotaxis. In contrast, treatment with exogenous hydrolyzable ATP increased neutrophil chemotaxis. Taken together, these studies suggest that blockade of CD39 may promote a stop signal to neutrophil chemotaxis once they reach ATP-rich areas.

CD39 and T cell function

Expression of CD39 by activated T cells has been linked to the acquisition of major dysfunctions and exhaustion signature. In support of an important role for CD39 in regulating human T cells, CD39 (ENTPD1) polymorphism associated with reduced CD39 protein expression (A/A of rs10748643) has been associated with increased susceptibility to Crohn’s disease74 and increased response to vaccination against influenza or live varicella zoster virus.75 Individuals carrying the low-expressing CD39 variant display significantly increased vaccine-specific memory T cell responses. In vitro, CD4⁺ T cell activation in the presence of a CD39 inhibitor (ARL) has been shown to increase IL-2 and IL-21 production, reduce AMPK phosphorylation and restore the ability of CD39⁺ T cells to help B cell differentiation.75 Interestingly, CD39 activity has also been shown to contribute to an increased susceptibility of CD4⁺ T cells to apoptosis in vitro. In support of this, Fang et al75 found increased induction of CD39 of T cells with age. CD39⁺CD4⁺ T cells resembled effector T cells with signs of metabolic stress and high susceptibility to undergo apoptosis.

Tumor-specific CD8⁺ T cells found in human tumors express high levels of CD39, are enriched for T cells against neoantigens and exhibit an exhausted gene signature.76 Similar findings were reported by three independent groups in human lung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer,77 head and neck cancer,78 renal cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer and gastric cancer.79 CD39⁺ CD8⁺ T cells were found to be enriched within the TME, invaded lymph nodes and metastases compared with healthy tissues,78 79 peripheral circulation and lymphoid organs.77 CD39⁺CD8⁺ T cells are characterized by potent exhaustion featured, including decreased TNF, IL-2 and IFN-γ production as well as increased expression of many inhibitory/checkpoint receptors such as PD-1, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT and 2B4.77 TCR engagement alone was shown to induced CD39 upregulation on CD8⁺ T cells in PBMCs of patients with breast cancer.77 Several additional factors from the TME might also account for CD39 upregulation in CD8⁺ T cells, including IL-6 and TGF-β.77 78 Interestingly, expansion of CD39⁺ CD8⁺ T cells in blood was found to be associated with clinical responses to anti-PD-1 therapy.76

T cell activation involves ATP release and autocrine stimulation of purinergic P2 receptors, P2X1, P2X4 and P2X7, to regulate cellular Ca²⁺ influx and mitochondrial function, enhancing IL-2 secretion and T cell proliferation.13 For instance, localized activation of P2X4 promotes Ca²⁺ influx in T cells and selective activation of mitochondria at the immune synapse. In CD4 T cells, stimulation of CXCR4 triggers rapid ATP release that promote T cell migration through autocrine P2X4 activation. In a mouse lung transplant model, blocking P2X4 with a selective antagonist prevented the recruitment of T cells.80

In vitro assays demonstrated that blocking CD39 enhances T cell activation. Accordingly, inhibiting CD39 enzymatic activity significantly enhanced proliferation and function of CD4⁺ T cells and CD8⁺ T cells when cocultured with irradiated SK-MEL-5 human melanoma cells.7 Inhibition of CD39 also enhanced cytotoxic function of CD56⁺ human NK cells in vitro.7 Similarly, Häusler et al10 reported increased antitumor activity of human CD4⁺ T cells against SK-OV-3 and OAW42 ovarian cancer cells.

CD39 and Th17 responses

Th17 cells are important drivers of chronic inflammation in autoimmune diseases and play an important role in antitumor immunity. Th17 cells are particularly important to regulate autoimmunity and commensal bacteria in the gut. Not surprisingly, extracellular ATP generated by commensal bacteria favors the differentiation of Th17 cells. Activation of P2X7 on monocytes synergizes with TLR ligands to induce a cytokine milieu rich in Th17-promoting IL-23 and IL-1β. Notably, P2X7 activation promotes Th17 cell conversion at the expenses of Tregs. Interestingly, CD39 can be expressed on Th17 cells, endowing them with suppressor activity via ATPase activity and associated with increased IL-10 production. In addition to IL-23 and IL-1β, although not absolutely required, IL-6, IL-21 and TGF-β can also generate Th17 cells. Interestingly, exposure of IL-6 and TGF-β induces STAT3 and downregulates Gfi in a p38-dependent manner, both events being relevant for the induction of CD39 and CD73 by Th17 cells. In patients with cancer, CD39-expressing Th17 cells predict poor clinical outcome.81 Th17 cells generated in the absence of TGF-β that lack CD39 and CD73 fail to promote tumor growth and are endowed with antitumor functions.82

Several studies suggest that Th17 and IL-17A promote antitumor immune responses. For instance, absence of IL-17A-IL-17R signaling reduces tumor-specific T cell responses elicited by ICD.83 Agonists of RORγ, which promote Th17 responses, have also been shown to enhance antitumor immunity by increasing IL-17A and GM-CSF levels, while diminishing CD39 and CD73 expression.84 Furthermore, patients with cancer receiving ant-PD-1 checkpoint therapy increase both Th1 and Th17 responses.85 In a recent case report, blocking IL-17A was reported to abrogate clinical response to anti-PD-1 therapy. After developing severe psoriatic rash following pembrolizumab treatment, the patient was treated with a blocking anti-IL17A mAb (secukinumab). While blocking IL-17A cured the skin psoriasis, it also abrogated the biochemical response to anti-PD-1 therapy. Together with preclinical studies, this supports an antitumor role for IL-17A during treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.86

CD39 and NK cell function

An important role for CD39-mediated immunosuppression of NK cells was recently described. Using metastatic mouse models of melanoma (B16 and LWT1), Zhang et al demonstrated that both CD39 and CD73 are upregulated on lung tumor-infiltrating NK cells.87 Strikingly, CD39-deficient mice presented reduced experimental lung metastases in both models in which NK cells and IFN-γ mediate control of metastasis.87 Either NK cell depletion or IFN-γ neutralization abrogated the protective effect of CD39 host deficiency in both models.87 Targeted blockade of CD39 using POM-1 was further demonstrated to enhance NK cell-mediated metastatic control and synergized with combined Braf and MEK inhibition, recombinant IL-2 or with anti-PD-1 and/or anti-CTLA-4 checkpoint blockade.87

CD39 and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs)

Accumulation of MDSC in tumors is recognized as a mean by which cancer to evade antitumor immune responses. Using a cohort of 72 non-small cell lung cancer patients, Li et al88 reported an accumulation of MDSC expressing both CD39 and CD73 in tumorous tissues of patients with lung cancer. Notably, the authors reported a positive correlation between tumorous ecto-nucleotidases-expressing MDSC and tumor stage, node involvement and metastasis status.88 Expression of CD39 and CD73 on MDSC was shown to be mediated by TGF-β and HIF-1α. Pharmacological blockade of CD39 or CD73 on MDSC restored proliferation of cocultured CD8⁺ T cells as well as survival and IFN-γ production of cocultured NK cells.88 In vivo, CD39⁺CD73⁺ MDSC abrogated adoptively transferred NK cell-mediated tumor control and chemotherapeutic responses, an effect prevented by treatment with a CD39 inhibitor.88 Increased frequencies of CD39⁺CD73⁺ MDSC was also reported in colorectal cancer patients.89 In this study, granulocytic MDSC expressing high level of PD-L1, CD39, and CD73 displayed enhanced immunosuppressive activity relative to other myeloid cells present in blood. Targeted blockade of CD39 or CD73 could also reverse MDSC-mediated suppressive effects on T cells.

CD39 and immunosuppression through extracellular vesicles (EVs)

Tumor-derived EVs, which include exosomes, microvesicles and apoptotic bodies, have been shown suppress antitumor T cells including through CD39, CD73 and adenosine signaling.90 91 Tumor-derived exosomes can also induce CD73 expression on CD39⁺ DCs to suppress T cell activation.92 Various tumor cell types have been reported to generate CD39⁺ EVs, including ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, neuroblastoma, and head and neck cancer.92–95 More recently, it was shown that B cells also produce high levels of EVs expressing CD39 and CD73, which significantly suppress antitumor immunity, particularly in response to chemotherapy. Notably, administration of B cell-derived EVs abrogated chemotherapy-mediated tumor-specific CD8⁺ T cells increase in mice, which was prevented by pretreatment of EVs with a CD39 inhibitor (POM-1) or a CD73 inhibitor (APCP). Mechanistically, HIF-1α activation was shown to promotes EVs production by B cells. Importantly, B cell-derived EVs expressing active CD39 and CD73 were also detected in serum samples of patients with colon cancer or gastric cancer, and high levels of EVs negatively correlated with progression-free survival period in a small cohort.96

CD39 and Tregs

Foxp3⁺ Tregs mediate immunosuppression by a number of mechanisms, including via CD39-dependent production of adenosine.97 Tregs from CD39^−/− mice display impaired suppressive properties, both in vitro and in vivo.98 Conversely, CD39 expression on Tregs ameliorates experimental colitis induced by T cell transfer. In mice, CD39⁺ Tregs are potent suppressor of Th17 responses and antitumor immunity mediated by NK cells.99 Supporting this, the antimetastatic activity of the CD39 inhibitor POM-1 was recently found to be completely abrogated in mice depleted of NK cells or deficient in CD39 expression hematopoietic cells.87 CD39⁺ Tregs isolated from human colon cancers also suppress proliferation and IFN-γ secretion of conventional T cells.100 In patients with melanoma, lower baseline levels of circulating CD39⁺CD25^hiCD4⁺ Tregs were also found to be significantly associated with better relapse-free survival.101

CD39 expression on Tregs is regulated by FoxP3 and TGF-β. Interestingly, impairment in TGF-β signaling in Tregs has been associated with reduced CD39 expression and has been proposed as a mechanism of methotrexate resistance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Consistent with an important role for TGF-β in regulating CD39 expression, carriers of at least one mutant allele for a TGFBR2 SNP (rs1431131) showed a significant reduction of CD39 mRNA levels in CD4⁺ T cells.102

Extracellular ATP and adenosine signaling further regulate Treg survival and function. Notably, P2X7 is highly expressed in Tregs.103 Activation of P2X7 by ATP limits Treg-mediated immunosuppression, likely via P2X7-induced cell death. Supporting the notion that anti-CD39 therapy can decrease Treg infiltration in tumors, in vivo treatment with a CD39 antisense oligonucleotide significantly reduced tumor-infiltrating Tregs in mice.104 Further in support of a role for extracellular ATP in restricting Treg-mediated suppression, P2X7-deficient Tregs show increased suppressive potential and tumor-bearing P2X7 null mice present increased tumor-infiltrating Tregs.105 A recent study revealed that a large fraction of tumor-infiltrating Tregs actually undergo apoptosis as a consequence of weak NRF2-associated antioxidant system and increased vulnerability to free oxygen species.106 Notably, apoptotic Tregs were found to release and convert a large amount of ATP into adenosine, thus suppressing antitumor immunity.

T regulatory type 1 (Tr1) cells represent another subset of regulatory lymphocytes that use CD39 for immunosuppression. Tr1 are characterized by IL-10 production, negativity for Foxp3 and expression of CD49b and LAG-3. Tr1 can be differentiated from CD4 cells on exposure to IL-27 through a mechanism involving AHR and STAT3. Studies have shown that extracellular ATP inhibits Tr1 cell differentiation, while CD39 contributes to Tr1-mediated suppressive activity via adenosine.107 108 Since Tr1 cells are induced in the TME,109–111 targeting CD39 may also block Tr1-mediated immunosuppression.

CD39 and tumor angiogenesis

Suppressed tumor growth in CD39-deficient mice has been associated with decreased angiogenesis in several experimental tumor models, including B16-F10 melanoma, Lewis lung carcinoma and MC38 colon tumors.99 112 Paradoxically, extracellular ATP activates FAK in endothelial cells and promotes their migration, yet activation of FAK is defective in CD39-deficient endothelial cells. This is likely due to desensitization of P2Y2 receptors in endothelial cells on sustained ATP signaling. Since CD39 coexpression with CD73 (in endothelial cells for instance) will ultimately generate adenosine, CD39 also likely promotes angiogenesis via adenosine signaling. Indeed, CD73-mediated adenosine and A2A signaling in endothelial cells have been shown to promote angiogenesis in various experimental conditions, including during tumorigenesis.113

CD39 and tumor fibroblasts

CD39 is highly expressed in tumor-associated fibroblasts in various types of cancers, including ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer (unpublished observations). CD39 and purinergic P2 receptors are also highly expressed on normal pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). In a mouse model of chronic pancreatitis and fibrosis, it was shown that CD39-deficient mice develop significantly reduced pancreatic atrophy and limited fibrosis.114 Tissue and plasma levels of anti-fibrotic IFN-γ were also found to be significantly increased in diseased CD39-deficient mice. Importantly, CD39-deficient PSCs showed significantly decreased rates of proliferation, decreased procollagen-alpha1 production and displayed defective response to mitogenic stimulation by PDGF and to profibrogenic stimulation by TGF-β. These results suggest a role for CD39 in promoting parenchymal fibrosis in pancreatic tissue.114 Similarly, using genetically deficient mice for CD39 and/or CD73, Fernández et al115 demonstrated that lower levels of adenosine in CD39 and/or CD73-deficient mice resulted in diminished dermal fibrosis in a model of scleroderma. The author attributed the mechanism to adenosine-mediated excessive collagen production from skin fibroblasts through A2A receptor activation.116

Decreased fibrosis observed in CD39^−/− mice might alternatively result from P2Y2 receptor desensitization on sustained exposure to high levels of extracellular ATP. In support of this hypothesis, ATP-induced activation of P2Y2 receptor have been shown to enhance IL-6 and collagen type I production by skin fibroblasts, which do not express CD39.117 Other studies have also reported profibrotic effects of extracellular ATP.118–121

Targeting CD39 in preclinical studies

Data obtained with CD39-deficent mice strongly support the use of CD39 blocking agents for cancer immunotherapy. Robson and colleagues’ seminal work was the first to demonstrate that CD39 knockout mice or mice reconstituted with a CD39-deficent bone marrow were protected against hepatic metastasis of B16F10 melanoma and MCA-38 colon cancer.99 Treg-derived CD39 was shown to be critical for tumor growth by suppressing NK cell functions,99 while CD39 expression on endothelial cells was proposed to be a main contributor of CD39-mediated immunosuppression in the non-hematopoietic compartment.122 In accordance with the observations obtained with CD39-deficient animals, enforced overexpression of CD39 in mice promoted metastatic tumor growth in the liver.123 Building on this work, the antitumor activity related to pharmacological inhibition of CD39 using small inhibitors or antagonistic monoclonal antibodies has been evaluated in several preclinical cancer models. In monotherapy, CD39 inhibition with POM-1 induces antitumor activity on metastatic tumor growth in models of lung and liver metastasis.87 99 Consistent with these findings, targeted blockade of CD39 using an antagonistic monoclonal antibody (clone 9-8B) delayed tumor growth in a PDX model of sarcoma.8

Most interestingly, synergistic effects of combination therapy associating CD39 inhibition with immune checkpoint blockade, MAPK inhibitors or immunogenic chemotherapy were recently reported. In lung metastasis models, specific blockade of CD39 with POM-1 significantly enhanced the antitumor activity of anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA-4 mAb, in an NK cell and IFN-γ dependent manner.87 In another recent study, blocking CD39 with mAb IPH5201 (Innate Pharma) strongly enhanced the antitumor activity of immunogenic chemotherapy in subcutaneous tumor models.124 Enhanced activity of anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 therapy in CD39-deficient mice inoculated with B16 or MCA205 tumors further suggest that targeted blockade of CD39 with IPH5201 might also synergize with immune checkpoint inhibitors.124 Mechanistically, IPH5201 helps maintaining extracellular pools of immunogenic ATP by inhibiting both soluble and membrane-bound CD39. Studies in CD39-deficient mice suggested that antitumor activity of IPH5201 resulted from increased tumor infiltration of IFN-γ-producing T cells.124 Similar to the study reported by Innate Pharma, antitumor activity of anti-CD39 mAb, including monotherapeutic activity, against different tumor models were also reported by Tizona Therapeutics and Surface Oncology (Brisbane Immunotherapy 2019 Conference, 23–25 May 2019).

Potential toxicities from CD39 inhibition

An important phenotype of CD39-deficient mice consists of altered platelet function and increased susceptibility to venous thrombosis. In a recent study,125 it was found for instance that when subjected to venous flow restriction, CD39-haploinsufficient mice display significantly more venous thrombosis with increased intravascular fibrin deposition, increased activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and increased IL-1β production. Administration of a blocking against IL-1β antibody rescued increased susceptibility to venous thrombosis, suggesting a CD39-regulated inflammatory mechanism. Thrombi developing in CD39-haploinsufficient mice were also significantly more infiltrated with neutrophils, and CD39-deficient neutrophils showed increased formation of neutrophil extracellular trap, which promotes coagulation. While this suggest a potent impact of chronic CD39 inhibition at increasing the risk of thrombosis, administration of anti-CD39 antibodies to mice has not been reported to promote venous thrombosis.

As ADP is a potent activator of platelets (via P2Y12 receptors), depletion of ADP by CD39 regulates platelet activation and recruitment. Kanthi et al126 recently investigated whether this has any impact on atherosclerosis, which is known to be driven in the early stage by platelet activation. By studying CD39^+/−; Apoe^−/− mice on high fat diet, it was found that CD39-haploinsufficiency was associated with larger atherosclerotic lesions attributed to increased platelet activation. Intriguingly, however, total absence of CD39 (ie, CD39^−/− mice) did not alter plaque burden, but rather protected mice from atherosclerosis,127 possibly because of P2Y receptor desensitization in global CD39-deficient mice.128 Administration of anti-CD39 antibodies to mice have not, however, been reported to affect platelet function.

Another potential toxicity might be related to the role of CD39 in the maintenance of liver and pancreas homeostasis. CD39 is the dominant ecto-nucleotidase expressed by hepatic endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, sinusoidal lymphocytes as well as PSCs. Global deletion of CD39 in mice has been associated with metabolic alterations including increased hepatic glucose production, insulin resistance, increased plasma levels of insulin and fatty acids and increased liver inflammation.129 Whether anti-CD39 targeting agents might affect liver and pancreas function remains to be investigated.

Conclusion

CD39 distributes on a variety of cells in the TME (mostly immune cells, fibroblasts and endothelium) and is upregulated in many human cancers. Because of its critical role as a regulator of both extracellular ATP and extracellular adenosine levels, CD39 is uniquely positioned in regulation of purinergic signaling. Further in support of a critical role for CD39 in immune regulation, genome-wide association studies revealed that genetic variants of CD39 are the strongest predictor for immune-phenotypic traits, surpassing most conventional immune-related biomarkers.130 In the past recent years, highly potent mAbs targeting CD39 have been developed and were recently demonstrated to significantly reduce tumor growth in preclinical cancer models, including as single agent. Inhibiting CD39 in mice potently synergizes with other anticancer strategies, including immunotherapies, targeted therapies and chemotherapy. Given that regulators of the adenosinergic pathways display both redundant and non-redundant functions, it will be most interesting to see whether targeting CD39 can synergize with A2A receptor antagonists or CD73 inhibitors, as was observed in preclinical studies testing anti-CD73 mAb in combination with A2A blockade.20 Oxygen and oxygenation agents, alone or in combination with CD39 or CD73 inhibitors, to further decrease tumor adenosine levels also constitutes another potential strategy.131 Finally, it remains unclear whether targeting of individual adenosine-generating enzymes may be limited with potential redundancies. For instance, the ecto-enzyme CD38 can generate AMP from NAD⁺ and has been shown to participate in tumor immune escape.132 Similarly, tissue-specific and non-specific alkalines phosphates may provide a source of extracellular adenosine independently of CD73. In summary, because of its upregulated expression levels within tumors of different types and broad immune regulatory effects on the tumor immunity cycle (figure 1), targeting CD39 currently constitutes one of the most promising approaches in immuno-oncology.

Figure 1.

CD39 in the tumor immunity cycle. CD39 expression in tumors, lymph nodes and vasculature impacts tumor immunity in various intertwined ways. (1) CD39 suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis induced by P2X7 receptor. (2) CD39 impairs immunogenic cell death and tumor antigen presentation by DCs by depleting ATP and increasing extracellular adenosine levels (3). During T cell priming, CD39 inhibits costimulatory ATP signals and increases adenosine-mediated immunosuppression. (4) CD39 expression on endothelial cells regulates transendothelial migration of immune cells and promotes angiogenesis. (5) CD39 expression on stromal cells favors fibroblasts barrier function and immunosuppression. (6) CD39 expression and activity is associated with dysfunctional T cells and NK cells, ‘M2’-like macrophages and promotes immunosuppression by T regulatory cells (Tregs), myeloid cells and B cell-derived microvesicles. DCs, dendritic cells; MDSCs, myeloid-derived suppressor cells; NK, natural killer.