Highlights•Adenosine protects tissues against excessive inflammation and promotes tissue
repair.•The adenosine pathway is hijacked to dampen anti-tumor immunity.•Targeting CD73
or A2a receptor enhances anti-tumor immunity.•Targeting CD73 or A2a receptor synergizes
with immune checkpoint inhibitors.•Drugs targeting CD73 or A2a are currently in phase I
clinical trials.Multiple immunosuppressive mechanisms impede anti-tumor immunity. Among
them, the accumulation of extracellular adenosine is a potent and widespread strategy …