Mouse CD73 is a glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchored membrane protein that belongs to the 5-nucleotidase family. CD73 is an ecto 5Nucleotidase expressed by most cell types. CD73 hydrolyzes extracellular nucleotides into membrane permeable nucleosides. CD73 is one of several enzymes responsible for the production of extracellular adenosine, a signaling molecule that is involved in responses to inflammation and tissue injury. CD73 is a lymphocyte maturation marker that has functions independent of its catalytic activity. CD73 is also a regulator of leukocyte extravasation, a function that requires its 5Nucleotidase activity.CD73 has also been reported to regulate expression of pro-inflammatory molecules in mouse endothelium.
