The CD39/CD73/Adenosine and NAD/CD38/CD203a/CD73 Axis in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), characterized by malignant T-cell proliferation primarily in the skin, includes subtypes such as mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS). The tumor microenvironment (TME) is central to their pathogenesis, with flow cytometry and histology being the gold standards for detecting malignant T cells within the TME. Alongside emerging molecular markers, particularly clonality analysis, these tools are indispensable for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Of note, adenosine signaling within the TME has been shown to suppress immune responses, affecting various cell types. The expression of CD39, CD73, and CD38, enzymes involved in adenosine production, can be elevated in MF and SS, contributing to immune suppression. Conversely, the expression of CD26, part of the adenosine deaminase/CD26 complex, that degrades adenosine, is often lost by circulating tumoral cells. Flow cytometry has demonstrated increased levels of CD39 and CD73 on Sézary cells, correlating with disease progression and prognosis, while CD38 shows a variable expression, with its prognostic significance remaining under investigation. Understanding these markers' roles in the complexity of TME-mediated immune evasion mechanisms might enhance diagnostic precision and offer new therapeutic targets in CTCL.