CD73, also known as NT5E or ecto-5'-nucleotidase, is a 70 kDa glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell surface enzyme found in various cell and tissue types. CD73, in coordination with CD39, is responsible for the stepwise catabolism of extracellular ATP to adenosine. Recently, cancer studies have demonstrated that elevated levels of extracellular adenosine in tumor microenvironments induce immunosuppression and help cancer cells evade host immunity. As a result of its role in tumor growth and metastasis, CD73 is emerging as a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In addition to its enzymatic functions, CD73 also acts as a signaling and adhesive molecule regulating cell interactions with extracellular matrix (ECM) components and is used as a marker of lymphocyte differentiation.

CD73 is commonly detected and quantified using anti-human CD73 antibodies labeled with reporter molecules such as enzymes (HRP, ALP) or fluorophores (iFluor^® dyes, Alexa Fluor^® dyes, PE, APC, and Tandem dyes). These antibodies can be used in several scientific applications, including IHC/ICC/IF, ELISA, flow, Western Blot, peptide array, and other applications.