Adenosine receptor A2B subtype (A2B receptor (also ADORA2B))

The Adenosine receptor A2B subtype (A2B receptor, ADORA2B) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) widely expressed in human tissues, including immune cells, smooth muscle, fibroblasts, and various tumor types. This receptor is activated by the endogenous nucleoside adenosine, but unlike the A1 and A2A subtypes, it has a relatively low affinity for adenosine and is most responsive under conditions of high extracellular adenosine, such as hypoxia or tissue injury. The A2B receptor signals primarily through Gs proteins to activate adenylyl cyclase and increase cAMP, but it can also couple to Gq proteins, activating phospholipase C and associated pathways. Its biological functions include regulation of inflammatory responses, immune cell activity, vascular tone, cytokine production, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation. The A2B receptor is implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, particularly in cancer (where it promotes immunosuppression, angiogenesis, and tumor growth), inflammation, chronic and acute lung diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and asthma. It is an established therapeutic target, and several selective agonists and antagonists have been developed, some of which are in clinical or preclinical testing, particularly for cancer immunotherapy and respiratory conditions. Research into the A2B receptor continues to advance, especially regarding its structural biology and potential for drug targeting in diseases involving disrupted adenosine signaling. While modulation of the receptor holds promise for diverse therapeutic applications, its broad tissue distribution poses safety concerns that must be managed in clinical development.

Other names

Adenosine A2B receptorADORA2BA2B adenosine receptorAdenosine receptor A2B

Agonists stimulate adenylyl cyclase via Gs protein coupling, increasing intracellular cAMP. Can also couple to Gq proteins, activating phospholipase C signaling. Antagonists block endogenous adenosine signaling, reducing pro-tumorigenic immunosuppression, angiogenesis, and inflammatory pathways in certain tissues. Targeting A2B receptor modulates tumor microenvironment and immune response.