NCIt definition : A monoclonal antibody directed against the cell surface receptor CD39 (cluster of
differentiation 39; ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1; NTPDase1; ENTPD1),
with potential immunomodulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration,
anti-CD39 monoclonal antibody PUR001 specifically targets and binds to the CD39 antigen,
thereby preventing the conversion and degradation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
to adenosine monophosphate (AMP). This leads to an increase in the extracellular levels
of immunogenic ATP and a decrease in the levels of immunosuppressive adenosine within
the tumor microenvironment (TME). A high level of ATP increases pro-inflammatory cytokine
levels and promotes both T-cell proliferation and the stimulation of dendritic and
other myeloid-derived cells that are necessary for innate and adaptive immunity. CD39,
a cell surface ectonucleosidase, is upregulated on tumor cells as an immune evasion
strategy; blocking its action may improve anti-tumor immune responses.;
Semantic type(s)