The A3 adenosine receptor as multifaceted therapeutic Target: pharmacology, medicinal Chemistry, and In silico approaches

Adenosine is an ubiquitous local modulator that regulates various physiological and pathological functions by stimulating four membrane receptors, namely A1, A2A, A2B, and A3. Among these G protein-coupled receptors, the A3 subtype is found mainly in the lung, liver, heart, eyes, and brain in our body. It has been associated with cerebroprotection and cardioprotection, as well as modulation of cellular growth upon its selective activation. On the other hand, its inhibition by selective antagonists has been reported to be potentially useful in the treatment of pathological conditions including glaucoma, inflammatory diseases, and cancer.