Adenosine Deaminase-Deficient Mice: Models for the Study of Lymphocyte Development and Adenosine Signaling

PEG-ADA treatment of ADA-deficient mice will serve as a useful in vivo system to biochemically manipulate adenosine levels and signaling. The fact that correction of adenosine levels corresponds with relief of the pulmonary distress, but not immune dysfunction, in ADA-deficient mice suggests that hyperactive adenosine signaling influences the eosinophilia, elevated IgE levels, alveolar defects, and severe inflammation and damage seen in the lungs of the mice. 26