Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a highly disabling, progressive neurodegenerative disease with no curative treatment available. Although significant progress has been made in understanding how MS develops, there remain aspects of disease pathogenesis that are yet to be fully elucidated. In this regard, studies have shown that dysfunctional adenosinergic signaling plays a pivotal role, as patients with MS have altered levels adenosine (ADO), adenosine receptors and proteins involved in the generation and termination of ADO signaling, such as CD39 and adenosine deaminase (ADA). We have therefore performed a literature review regarding the involvement of the adenosinergic system in the development of MS and propose mechanisms by which the modulation of this system can support drug development and repurposing.

Brain and Mind Center University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia

Department of Biochemistry Institute of Chemistry University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil

Department of Neurology Medical Faculty University Hospital Düsseldorf Düsseldorf Germany

Department of Neurology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria

Department of Neurology Palacky University Olomouc Olomouc Czechia

Laboratory of Ultrastructure Aggeu Magalhães Institute Recife Brazil

National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation Oswaldo Cruz Institute Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Rio de Janeiro Brazil

Network of Immunity in Infection Malignancy and Autoimmunity Recife Brazil

Postgraduate Program in Biosciences and Biotechnology for Health Recife Brazil

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