NT5E encodes CD73, a cell surface 5'-nucleotidase that catalyzes the hydrolysis of nucleotide monophosphates to release inorganic phosphate and corresponding nucleosides, with AMP being the preferred substrate 12345. The enzyme shows preference for ribonucleotide monophosphates over deoxyribose forms and processes various substrates including IMP, UMP, GMP, CMP, dAMP, dCMP, dTMP, NAD and NMN 5. Mechanistically, CD73 works in synergy with ENTPD1/CD39 to produce extracellular adenosine from ATP, participating in purinergic signaling pathways 6. In cancer contexts, NT5E/CD73 promotes immunosuppression by facilitating regulatory T cell infiltration 7, sustains cancer stem cell traits through AKT-dependent SOX9 regulation 8, and creates immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments 9. High NT5E expression correlates with poor prognosis in multiple cancers including glioblastoma, pancreatic cancer, and childhood B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia 6910. Clinically, NT5E represents a promising therapeutic target, with inhibitors like ST80 showing potential to enhance anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy effectiveness 11. The protein's role in adenosine production and subsequent immune suppression makes it a critical mediator of tumor immune evasion.